factor. %^2+1 is not a good idea for a minimal polynomial

Richard Fateman [26/10/03 10:20 -0800]:
> I suggest you not actually USE %i^2+1 with simp:true
> unless you want to try factor(..., 0).  It is true that
> the error message is not very informative, but did you
> want to do  factor(x^2-1,0) ?
> 

Thanks for the reply. It was just my curiosity. After reproducing
what Stavros did, I just wanted to see what would happen if I try
the same with simp:true, and still factor x^2+1. Now we know. I will
certainly follow your advice. 

BTW, trying a couple of examples factor(..,0), such us
factor(x^2-1,0), does lead to the same error message. I am only
mentioning this in case somebody might consider this a worthy reason
to look at ("fix") the source code.

Milan Lukic

> I suggest you use a different name for sqrt(-1) unless you
> want to have Maxima apply what it knows about %i whenever
> it can.
> RJF
> 
> 
> Milan Lukic wrote:
> 
> >Stavros Macrakis [26/10/03 11:47 -0500]:
> > 
> >
> >>>What is the difference between factor and gfactor?
> >>>     
> >>>
> >
> > 
> >
> >> simp: false;   /* prevent %i^2 from simplifying */
> >>
> >> factor(x^2+1,%i^2+1) =>
> >>
> >>    (x-%i)*(x+%i)
> >>
> >>   
> >>
> > I reproduced this, but when I returned to simp:true, and then
> >	tried factor(x^2+1,%i^2+1), I got  a "memory may be damaged"
> >	error. I then sarted a fresh copy of Maxima - same error. Here is
> >	the output:
> >	
> >	(C1) factor(x^2+1,%i^2+1);
> >	
> >	
> >	Error: Caught fatal error [memory may be damaged]
> >	Fast links are on: do (si::use-fast-links nil) for debugging
> >	Error signalled by MACSYMA-TOP-LEVEL.
> >	Broken at FACTOR.  Type :H for Help.
> >	MAXIMA>>
> >	
> >	Anybody else having this problem?
> >	
> >	Milan Lukic
> >	
> > 
> >
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