arXiv · 2211.12160
Units from square-roots of rational numbers
Abstract
Let $D,Q$ be natural numbers, $(D,Q)=1$, such that $D/Q>1$ and $D/Q$ is not a square. Let $q$ be the smallest divisor of $Q$ such that $Q|\, q^2$. We show that the units $>1$ of the ring $\mathbb Z[\sqrt{Dq^2/Q}]$ are connected with certain convergents of $\sqrt{D/Q}$. Among these units, the units of $\mathbb Z[\sqrt{DQ}]$ play a special role, inasmuch as they correspond to the convergents of $\sqrt{D/Q}$ that occur just before the end of each period. We also show that the last-mentioned units allow reading the (periodic) continued fraction expansion of certain quadratic irrationals from the (finite) continued fraction expansion of certain rational numbers.
Explore related subjects
Keep this discovery
Explore connections, maps & timelines
Kurt Girstmair. 2022-11-22. Units from square-roots of rational numbers. https://arxiv.org/abs/2211.12160
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.