Zeros of polynomials with coefficients in the center of a division algebra (Q1084476)

Let \(D\) be an associative algebra of finite v.s. dimension \(n\) over its center, a field \(K\). Let \(f(a)=0\) where \(a\in D\) and \(f(x)\in K[x]\). First, when \(D\) is a division algebra, let \(N\) be the least positive integer (if any) such that \(x^ N\) has a non-trivial zero in \(D\otimes_ K\bar K\) \((\bar K\) the algebraic closure of \(K\)). Let \(m\) be maximal such that \((x- a)^ m\) divides \(f(x)\). Then the multiplicity (suitably defined) of \(a\), as a root of \(f\), is \(m^ n\) if \(a\in K\) and \(m<N\), but is \(\infty\) otherwise. Secondly, extending a result of \textit{I. N. Herstein} [Proc. Am. Math. Soc. 7, 1021--1022 (1957; Zbl 0077.04201)], if \(\bar K=K\) and \(a\not\in K\) then \(f\) has an infinite number of roots in \(D\). Finally, a finite-dimensional nonassociative division algebra over \(\bar K\) cannot exist.