Polynomials and degrees of maps in real normed algebras

Abstract

summary:Let $\mathcal{A}$ be the algebra of quaternions $\mathbb{H}$ or octonions $\mathbb{O}$. In this manuscript an elementary proof is given, based on ideas of Cauchy and D'Alembert, of the fact that an ordinary polynomial $f(t) \in \mathcal{A} [t]$ has a root in $\mathcal{A}$. As a consequence, the Jacobian determinant $\lvert J(f)\rvert$ is always non-negative in $\mathcal{A}$. Moreover, using the idea of the topological degree we show that a regular polynomial $g(t)$ over $\mathcal{A}$ has also a root in $\mathcal{A}$. Finally, utilizing multiplication ($*$) in $\mathcal{A}$, we prove various results on the topological degree of products of maps. In particular, if $S$ is the unit sphere in $\mathcal{A}$ and $h_1, h_2\colon S \to S$ are smooth maps, it is shown that $\deg (h_1 * h_2)=\deg (h_1) + \deg (h_2)$