Bland - Proposition 4.1.1 - (4) => (1)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around understanding a specific proof in Paul E. Bland's book "Rings and Their Modules," particularly Proposition 4.1.1, which involves generating and cogenerating classes in module theory. Participants are examining the implications of the statement $$(4) \Longrightarrow (1)$$ and seeking clarification on the reasoning behind certain steps in the proof.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Peter seeks clarification on why the existence of a finite set $$F_i \subseteq \Delta$$ such that $$x_i \in \sum_{F_i} M_\alpha$$ follows from earlier statements in the proof.
  • Some participants assert that the sum of any family of modules is a finitely nonzero sum, implying that each generator $$x_i$$ can be expressed as a finite sum of elements from the submodules $$M_\alpha$$.
  • Further explanations indicate that since $$x_i$$ belongs to the sum $$\sum_{\Delta}M_{\alpha}$$, it can be represented as a finite sum where most coefficients are zero, leading to the conclusion that a finite subset $$F_i$$ can be identified.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the reasoning that leads to the conclusion about the finite set $$F_i$$, although Peter initially expresses difficulty in following the logic. The discussion reflects a collaborative effort to clarify the proof rather than a contest of competing views.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve all potential uncertainties regarding the assumptions made in the proof or the definitions of the terms involved, particularly in the context of module theory.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in advanced topics in algebra, particularly in module theory and the study of rings, may find this discussion relevant.

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I am reading Paul E. Bland's book, "Rings and Their Modules".

I am trying to understand Chapter 4, Section 4.1 on generating and cogenerating classes and need help with the proof of $$(4) \Longrightarrow (1)$$ in Proposition 4.1.1.

Proposition 4.1.1 and its proof read as follows:

https://www.physicsforums.com/attachments/3656
View attachment 3657

In the proof of $$(4) \Longrightarrow (1)$$ in the text above, Bland writes:" ... ... Let $$\{ M_\alpha \}_\Delta$$ be a family of submodules of $$M$$ that spans $$M$$. If $$X = \{ x_1, x_2, \ ... \ ... \ , x_n \}$$ is a finite set of generators of $$M$$, then $$M = \sum_{ i = 1}^n x_i R = \sum_\Delta M_\alpha$$.

Thus, for each $$i$$, there is a finite set $$F_i \subseteq \Delta$$ such that $$x_i \in \sum_{F_i} M_\alpha$$. ... ... "My question is as follows:

Why, exactly, does the statement:

... ... for each $$i$$, there is a finite set $$F_i \subseteq \Delta$$ such that $$x_i \in \sum_{F_i} M_\alpha$$

follow from the two previous statements?Hope someone can help ... ...

Peter
 
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Hi Peter,

The sum of any family of modules is a finitely nonzero sum.
 
Fallen Angel said:
Hi Peter,

The sum of any family of modules is a finitely nonzero sum.
Hi Fallen Angel ... thanks for the help in this matter ... ... however, I am still finding this difficult to follow ... are you able to be more explicit and explain further ...

Peter
 
Hi Peter,

You got the equality $\displaystyle\sum_{i=1}^{n}x_{i}R=\displaystyle\sum_{\Delta}M_{\alpha}$.

So $x_{i}\in \displaystyle\sum_{\Delta}M_{\alpha}$.

Then, in principle $x_{i}=\displaystyle\sum_{\Delta}m_{\alpha}$ with $m_{\alpha}\in M_{\alpha}$.

But this sum is finitely non zero, i.e. $m_{\alpha}=0$ for almost every $\alpha \in \Delta$

So $x_{i}=\displaystyle\sum_{F_{i}\subset \Delta}m_{\alpha}$ where $F_{i}$ is finite.($F_{i}=\{\alpha \in \Delta \ : \ m_{\alpha}\neq 0\}$)
 
Fallen Angel said:
Hi Peter,

You got the equality $\displaystyle\sum_{i=1}^{n}x_{i}R=\displaystyle\sum_{\Delta}M_{\alpha}$.

So $x_{i}\in \displaystyle\sum_{\Delta}M_{\alpha}$.

Then, in principle $x_{i}=\displaystyle\sum_{\Delta}m_{\alpha}$ with $m_{\alpha}\in M_{\alpha}$.

But this sum is finitely non zero, i.e. $m_{\alpha}=0$ for almost every $\alpha \in \Delta$

So $x_{i}=\displaystyle\sum_{F_{i}\subset \Delta}m_{\alpha}$ where $F_{i}$ is finite.($F_{i}=\{\alpha \in \Delta \ : \ m_{\alpha}\neq 0\}$)
Thanks for the help, Fallen Angel ... I can now understand the logic ...

Thanks again,

Peter
 

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