
We study the cubic field K = Q(α) defined by α³-α-1=0. Two independent observations are presented. First, we define a new analytic invariant of K, τ∞ = 1/|Γ(α₁)Γ(α₂)Γ(α₃)| ≈ 0.6334, where αᵢ are the conjugates of α. This constant does not appear in the literature and may be related to Mahler measures or regulators of K. Second, we give a geometric classification of the known solutions to Brocard's problem n!+1=m²: the solutions (4,5) and (5,11) arise from the elliptic curve y²=x³-x+1 (the norm curve of K), while (7,71) arises from the genus 3 curve ∏(x+k)+1 = y². The numbers 3 and 5 are the only prime orders of the icosahedral group A₅, suggesting a hidden symmetry. Both observations are elementary but appear to be new.
cubic field, Brocard's problem, Gamma function, elliptic curve, Mahler measure, regulator, icosahedral symmetry, Mathematics > Number Theory (11-XX) Mathematics > Functions of a complex variable (30-XX)
cubic field, Brocard's problem, Gamma function, elliptic curve, Mahler measure, regulator, icosahedral symmetry, Mathematics > Number Theory (11-XX) Mathematics > Functions of a complex variable (30-XX)
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