Hilbert Symbol

In mathematics, given a local field K, such as the fields of reals or p-adic numbers, whose multiplicative group of non-zero elements is K×, the Hilbert symbol is an algebraic construction, extracted from reciprocity laws, and important in the formulation of local class field theory. As the name suggests, it was in some sense introduced by David Hilbert, although it would be anachronistic to say that of the local field formulation.

Explicitly, it is the function (–, –) from K× × K× to {−1,1} defined by

Read more about Hilbert Symbol:  Properties, Interpretation As An Algebra, Hilbert Symbols Over The Rationals, Kaplansky Radical

Famous quotes containing the word symbol:

    No one is without Christianity, if we agree on what we mean by that word. It is every individual’s individual code of behavior by means of which he makes himself a better human being than his nature wants to be, if he followed his nature only. Whatever its symbol—cross or crescent or whatever—that symbol is man’s reminder of his duty inside the human race.
    William Faulkner (1897–1962)