Does the Subring Generated by Two UFDs Always Result in a UFD?

In summary, when $R$ is an integral domain and $R_1$ and $R_2$ are proper subrings that are both unique factorization domains, the subring $R_3$ generated by $R_1$ and $R_2$ may not necessarily be a unique factorization domain as shown in the example of $\mathbb{Z}[X^2, X^3]$.
  • #1
Petek
Gold Member
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Let $R$ be an integral domain. Suppose that $R_1$ and $R_2$ are proper subrings of $R$ and that both $R_1$ and $R_2$ are unique factorization domains (UFDs). Let $R_3$ be the subring of $R$ that is generated by $R_1$ and $R_2$. Is $R_3$ necessarily a UFD? (The subring generated by two subrings is defined to be the intersection of all subrings containing the two given subrings.)
 
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  • #2
My solution:

[sp]$\mathbb{Z}[X^2]$ and $\mathbb{Z}[X^3]$ are both UFDs. However, the subring they generate in $\mathbb{Z}[X]$, namely $\mathbb{Z}[X^2, X^3]$, is not a UFD because $X^6=X^2\cdot X^2\cdot X^2$ and $X^6=X^3 \cdot X^3$ are two distinct factorizations of $X^6$ into irreducible elements in $\mathbb{Z}[X^2, X^3]$.[/sp]
 

What is a Unique Factorization Domain?

A Unique Factorization Domain (UFD) is a type of mathematical structure that is used to study the unique factorization of elements into irreducible elements. In a UFD, every non-zero, non-unit element can be expressed as a unique product of irreducible elements.

How is a Unique Factorization Domain different from a Euclidean Domain?

A Unique Factorization Domain is a generalization of a Euclidean Domain, where the division algorithm is not necessarily applicable. In a UFD, the division algorithm may not always hold, but every non-zero, non-unit element can still be factored into irreducibles.

What are the main properties of Unique Factorization Domains?

The main properties of a Unique Factorization Domain include the existence and uniqueness of prime factorization, the absence of zero-divisors, and the existence of a greatest common divisor for any pair of elements.

What are some examples of Unique Factorization Domains?

Some examples of Unique Factorization Domains include the ring of integers, polynomials over a field, and the ring of Gaussian integers. In general, any integral domain with a finite number of prime elements is a UFD.

What are the applications of Unique Factorization Domains?

Unique Factorization Domains have applications in number theory, algebraic geometry, and cryptography. They are also useful in understanding the structure of other mathematical objects, such as fields and modules.

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