TITLE: Determine whether $\frac{\sqrt{-23}+\sqrt[23]{-2}}{2}$ is an algebraic integer.
QUESTION [6 upvotes]: An algebraic integer is an algebraic number that is a root of some monic polynomial $f \in \mathbb{Z}[x]$. 
When I check that $\frac{\sqrt{-23}+\sqrt[23]{-2}}{2}$ is an algebraic integer or not by WolframAlpha, the result is false. But I can not prove it. I try to find the minimal polynomial of that element. But it does not seem to work. I mean $23$ is big and difficult to do it by hand. Is there any quicker way to check it? 
Can someone help me? Thanks.

REPLY [10 votes]: Let's call your number $\alpha$. Because $-23\equiv1\pmod4$ it is well known that $\beta=(1+\sqrt{-23})/2$ is an algebraic integer. Because algebraic integers form a ring, $\alpha$ is one if and only if
$$
\gamma=\alpha-\beta=\frac{-1+\root{23}\of{-2}}2
$$
is an algebraic integer.
Eisenstein's criterion gives that the polynomial $x^{23}+2$ is irreducible, so $$[\Bbb{Q}(\gamma):\Bbb{Q}]=[\Bbb{Q}(\root{23}\of{-2}):\Bbb{Q}]=23.$$ Therefore the minimal polynomial $m(x)$ of $\gamma$ has degree $23$.
Clearly, $(2\gamma+1)^{23}+2=0$, so (scaling to make the polynomial monic)
$$
m(x)=\frac1{2^{23}}\left((2x+1)^{23}+2\right).
$$
The constant term $m(0)=3/2^{23}$ is manifestly not a rational integer, so $\gamma$ is not an algberaic integer. Therefore neither is $\alpha$.