Discriminants, \(\mathbb Z\)-integral bases and relative integral bases in case of multiquadratic number fields (Q1825242)

A new criterion is presented for the existence of a relative integral basis (RIB) for an extension \(L/K\) of algebraic number fields. This criterion allows the computation of an RIB in an elementary way. As an application the author studies the multiquadratic field \(L=\mathbb Q(\sqrt{a_ 1},\ldots,\sqrt{a_ n})\), of degree \(2^ n\) over \(\mathbb Q\), as an extension of \(K=\mathbb Q(\sqrt{a_ 1},\ldots,\sqrt{a_ m})\), where \(m<n\). In this case, if \([L:K]>2\), then an RIB always exists. For \([L:K]=2\) and \(m>1\), the existence problem reduces to a question whether or not a certain divisor in \(K\) (which is easily determined) is principal. The author also computes the discriminant and a \(\mathbb Z\)-integral basis for the multiquadratic field \(L\); these are then needed in the construction of an RIB.