On the indices in number fields and their computation for small degrees

Abstract

Let K be a number field. We investigate the indices I(K) and i(K) of K introduced respectively by Dedekind and Gunji-McQuillan. Let n be a positif integer, we then prove that for any prime p ? n, there exists K a number field of degree n over Q such that p divide i(K). This result is an analogue to Bauer''s one for i(K). We compute I(K) and i(K) for cubic fields and infinite families of simplest number fields of degree less than 7. We solve questions and disprove the conjecture stated in [1].