In Galois theory, the inverse Galois problem concerns whether or not every finite group appears as the Galois group of some Galois extension of the rational numbers Q. This problem, first posed in the 19th century, is unsolved.
There are some permutation groups for which generic polynomials are known, which define all algebraic extensions of Q having a particular group as Galois group. These groups include all of degree no greater than 5. There also are groups known not to have generic polynomials, such as the cyclic group of order 8.
More generally, let G be a given finite group, and let K be a field. Then the question is this: is there a Galois extension field L/K such that the Galois group of the extension is isomorphic to G? One says that G is realizable over K if such a field L exists.
Read more about Inverse Galois Problem: Partial Results, A Simple Example: Cyclic Groups, Symmetric and Alternating Groups, Rigid Groups, A Construction With An Elliptic Modular Function
Famous quotes containing the words inverse and/or problem:
“The quality of moral behaviour varies in inverse ratio to the number of human beings involved.”
—Aldous Huxley (1894–1963)
“The problem for the King is just how strict
The lack of liberty, the squeeze of the law
And discipline should be in school and state....”
—Robert Frost (1874–1963)