3
$\begingroup$

How much is known about the fundamental units in totally real cubic fields? For example, Daniel Shanks has a family of totally real cubic fields for which the fundamental units are known; those with defining polynomial $x^3-ax^2-(a+3)x -1$. Does anyone know of other families of totally real cubic fields for which the fundamental units are known? I'm particularly interested in cubic subfields of cyclotomic extensions.

$\endgroup$
2
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ It can be shown that up to $\operatorname{GL}_2(\mathbb{Q})$ equivalence that polynomials of the shape $ax^3 + bx^2 + (b-3a)x -a$ are the only cubic polynomials with $C_3$ Galois group. Does this not suffice to show that all cubic subfields of cyclotomic extensions arise this way, via Delone-Fadeev correspondence? $\endgroup$ May 17, 2016 at 13:47
  • $\begingroup$ Even in the cyclic case, a root of the Shanks polynomial (with integer parameter) does not necessarily generate the ring of integers of the field, and thus a pair of conjugate such roots does not necessarily give you a pair of fundamental units for the whole ring of integers - only for the subring generated by the root (and even this is nontrivial). $\endgroup$
    – GNiklasch
    May 17, 2016 at 14:53

1 Answer 1

1
$\begingroup$

Here are two references that may be useful.

  1. Algebraic number fields with 2 independent units, 1931, by W. E. H. Berwick.

  2. The determination of units in totally real cubic fields, 1959, by H. J. Godwin.

$\endgroup$

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.