Talk:Factorization of polynomials over finite fields: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 20:07, 19 April 2018

Revision as of 07:56, 20 April 2018

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:This is true in characteristic 0. Here we are over a finite field, and a nonzero polynomial may have a zero derivative. [[User:D.Lazard|D.Lazard]] ([[User talk:D.Lazard|talk]]) 19:42, 16 April 2018 (UTC)

Yes, a nonconstant polynomial can have a zero derivative. But if you remove the test, you will see that the zero derivative case is handled correctly in the remaining code, since the gcd of a polynomial with a zero polynomial is the polynomial itself.[[User:MeanStandev|MeanStandev]] ([[User talk:MeanStandev|talk]]) 20:07, 19 April 2018 (UTC)

:OK, you are right. However the test is not costly, and, with it, the algorithm may be clearer for some readers. Thus, I have not modified the pseudocode, and I have added an explanation. [[User:D.Lazard|D.Lazard]] ([[User talk:D.Lazard|talk]]) 07:55, 20 April 2018 (UTC)