The word "Galois" is spelled /ɡæl.wɑː/. The first syllable is pronounced with a voiced velar stop /ɡ/ followed by a short vowel /æ/. The second syllable is pronounced with an unvoiced lateral approximant /l/, and the third syllable is pronounced with a long vowel /ɑː/. Overall, the word is named after French mathematician Évariste Galois, known for his contributions to algebraic geometry and group theory. Galois theory is an important branch of modern mathematics.
Galois may refer to several concepts or individuals, but its predominant usage relates to the mathematical field of algebra, named after the French mathematician Évariste Galois.
In algebra, Galois theory is the study of field extensions, which are mathematical structures that include the original field and additional elements. Developed by Galois in the early 19th century, this theory investigates the relationship between these extensions and the symmetries of the corresponding equations. It is particularly focused on studying the roots of polynomial equations and determining which of those roots are expressible using elementary operations and roots of other polynomials.
The theorem proposed by Galois states that it is possible to determine whether a given polynomial equation can be solved algebraically by examining certain properties of its associated field extensions. This mathematical framework enables the classification and understanding of solvability for various equations, revolutionizing the field of algebra and leading to significant advancements in other areas of mathematics.
Apart from this mathematical theory, Galois can also refer to Évariste Galois himself, a French mathematician and political activist who made important contributions to the development of algebra. Galois led a brief but influential life, creating the groundwork for Galois theory shortly before his untimely death at the age of 20. His work became the cornerstone of modern algebraic theory and has profoundly impacted multiple branches of mathematics.
The word "Galois" is derived from the surname of Évariste Galois, a French mathematician who lived in the 19th century. Galois made significant contributions to the field of mathematics, particularly in the area of algebra and the theory of equations. He introduced the concept of groups, which led to the development of abstract algebra. "Galois" is thus a tribute to Évariste Galois and his groundbreaking work in mathematics.