I sometimes illustrate techniques of polynomial factorization in a class by 
starting with a polynomial in ZZ[x] and converting it to a polynomial in 
GF(insert_large_prime)[x]. I realize this is not an instance of two 
_finite_ fields, but (a) you mention "the characteristics are different", 
and (b) _are_ there similar applications for finite fields, when the 
characteristics are different?

Or am I misunderstanding the proposal?

john perry

On Tuesday, December 31, 2013 6:59:03 AM UTC-5, Jean-Pierre Flori wrote:
>
> Dear all,
>
> Currently one can obtain surprising results in Sage when converting 
> polynomial over finite fields (or elements of quotient rings of univariate 
> polynomial ring even though tht's not the primary concern of the ticket).
> See http://trac.sagemath.org/ticket/11239
> Basically the generators of the finite fields are just exchanged, even 
> when the characteristics are different.
> The changes suggested in this ticket would more or less only let a 
> coercion be used if there is one, and rant if the characteristics are 
> different or the base finite fields are not part of a common lattice when 
> there is no canonical embedding.
>
> Note though that the original disturbing conversion fits with the current 
> behavior described in the doc:
> * 
> http://www.sagemath.org/doc/reference/coercion/index.html#maps-between-parents
> where it's stated that
>
> "Conversions need not be canonical (they may for example involve a choice 
> of lift) or even make sense mathematically (e.g. constructions of some 
> kind)."
>
> Anyone has a strong opinion about what we should let Sage do in such a 
> situation?
>
> Should we leave the old conversion when there is no coercion even though 
> that might easily to wrong mathematical results for a careless user? Or 
> never look for a coercion unless the user explicitly asks for it (i.e. what 
> the situation is currently in Sage without the patches of the ticket)?
>
> Best,
>
> JP
>

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