Dynamic evaluation and algebraic closure in Axiom (Q1906927)

Dynamic evaluation is a method of computing that permits the computation to be refined into different cases that are considered separately. A precise description and mathematical foundation was given in terms of sketch theory by \textit{D. Duval} and \textit{J.-C. Reynaud} [Math. Structures Comput. Sci. 4, 239-271 (1994; Zbl 0822.68063)]. In the present paper, the mechanism of dynamic evaluation is explained without reference to sketch theory in order to make it accessible to a wider audience. Next, it is shown how dynamic evaluation can be employed to compute with algebraic numbers without having to do explicit factorization of polynomials. The essential step here is to define the dynamic algebraic closure of a field. Finally, a program for the Axiom system implementing dynamic algebraic closure is presented.