+ """
+ EXAMPLES::
+
+ sage: set_random_seed()
+ sage: n = ZZ.random_element(1,10).abs()
+ sage: J = eja_rn(n)
+ sage: x = J.random_element()
+ sage: x.degree() == x.minimal_polynomial().degree()
+ True
+
+ ::
+
+ sage: set_random_seed()
+ sage: n = ZZ.random_element(1,10).abs()
+ sage: J = eja_ln(n)
+ sage: x = J.random_element()
+ sage: x.degree() == x.minimal_polynomial().degree()
+ True
+
+ The minimal polynomial and the characteristic polynomial coincide
+ and are known (see Alizadeh, Example 11.11) for all elements of
+ the spin factor algebra that aren't scalar multiples of the
+ identity::
+
+ sage: set_random_seed()
+ sage: n = ZZ.random_element(2,10).abs()
+ sage: J = eja_ln(n)
+ sage: y = J.random_element()
+ sage: while y == y.coefficient(0)*J.one():
+ ....: y = J.random_element()
+ sage: y0 = y.vector()[0]
+ sage: y_bar = y.vector()[1:]
+ sage: actual = y.minimal_polynomial()
+ sage: x = SR.symbol('x', domain='real')
+ sage: expected = x^2 - 2*y0*x + (y0^2 - norm(y_bar)^2)
+ sage: bool(actual == expected)
+ True
+
+ """
+ # The element we're going to call "minimal_polynomial()" on.
+ # Either myself, interpreted as an element of a finite-
+ # dimensional algebra, or an element of an associative
+ # subalgebra.
+ elt = None
+
+ if self.parent().is_associative():
+ elt = FiniteDimensionalAlgebraElement(self.parent(), self)
+ else:
+ V = self.span_of_powers()
+ assoc_subalg = self.subalgebra_generated_by()
+ # Mis-design warning: the basis used for span_of_powers()
+ # and subalgebra_generated_by() must be the same, and in
+ # the same order!
+ elt = assoc_subalg(V.coordinates(self.vector()))
+
+ # Recursive call, but should work since elt lives in an
+ # associative algebra.
+ return elt.minimal_polynomial()
+
+
+ def is_nilpotent(self):
+ """
+ Return whether or not some power of this element is zero.
+
+ The superclass method won't work unless we're in an
+ associative algebra, and we aren't. However, we generate
+ an assocoative subalgebra and we're nilpotent there if and
+ only if we're nilpotent here (probably).
+
+ TESTS:
+
+ The identity element is never nilpotent::
+
+ sage: set_random_seed()
+ sage: n = ZZ.random_element(2,10).abs()
+ sage: J = eja_rn(n)
+ sage: J.one().is_nilpotent()
+ False
+ sage: J = eja_ln(n)
+ sage: J.one().is_nilpotent()
+ False
+
+ The additive identity is always nilpotent::
+
+ sage: set_random_seed()
+ sage: n = ZZ.random_element(2,10).abs()
+ sage: J = eja_rn(n)
+ sage: J.zero().is_nilpotent()
+ True
+ sage: J = eja_ln(n)
+ sage: J.zero().is_nilpotent()
+ True
+
+ """
+ # The element we're going to call "is_nilpotent()" on.
+ # Either myself, interpreted as an element of a finite-
+ # dimensional algebra, or an element of an associative
+ # subalgebra.
+ elt = None
+
+ if self.parent().is_associative():
+ elt = FiniteDimensionalAlgebraElement(self.parent(), self)
+ else:
+ V = self.span_of_powers()
+ assoc_subalg = self.subalgebra_generated_by()
+ # Mis-design warning: the basis used for span_of_powers()
+ # and subalgebra_generated_by() must be the same, and in
+ # the same order!
+ elt = assoc_subalg(V.coordinates(self.vector()))
+
+ # Recursive call, but should work since elt lives in an
+ # associative algebra.
+ return elt.is_nilpotent()
+