Abstract
It seems that any deeper investigation of the algebraic theory of quadratic forms requires a thorough knowledge of the theory of Pfister forms. They are the subject of this chapter. The investigation of Pfister forms is based essentially on the use of transcendental extensions of the ground field: One considers quadratic forms Σ a ij X i X j . with indeterminates X i . This approach leads naturally to the important concept of the function field of a quadratic form which is the function field of the quadratic Σ a ij X i X j =0.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1985 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Scharlau, W. (1985). Generic Methods and Pfister Forms. In: Quadratic and Hermitian Forms. Grundlehren der mathematischen Wissenschaften, vol 270. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-69971-9_4
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-69971-9_4
Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
Print ISBN: 978-3-642-69973-3
Online ISBN: 978-3-642-69971-9
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive