Talk:Separable polynomial

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In mathematics, a polynomial P(X) is separable over a field K if its roots in an algebraic closure of K are distinct

I thought this definition was only valid for an irreducible polynomial; and a general polynomial is separable if its irreducible factors are separable? Or is this the same (if it is, I don't think this is obvious)?

mazi 12:04, 20 February 2006 (UTC)

It's not the same. For example, it is not the same as P and its derivative having no common factor. Charles Matthews 15:13, 20 February 2006 (UTC)