Proving Commutativity in a Ring with s2 = s

  • Thread starter AKG
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Ring
In summary, the conversation discusses proving that a ring S is commutative, given the property that for all s in S, s2 = s. The conversation also includes a proof that (s + t)2 = s2 + t2 and s + s = 0. To prove that st = ts, the conversation shows that (s + t)2 = s + st + ts + t and uses the property that st + ts = 0.
  • #1
AKG
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
2,567
4
Let S be a ring such that for all s in S, s2 = s. Prove that S is commutative.

I've proved that for all s and t in S, (s + t)2 = s2 + t2, and also that s + s = 0. How would I go about proving that for all s and t, st = ts? Thanks. By the way, this isn't exactly homework, I was just practicing for the GREs.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
What (else) is (s + t)²?
 
  • #3
s + t = (s + t)2 [by hypothesis]
s + t = s2 + st + ts + t2 [expanding]
s + t = s + st + ts + t [by hypothesis]
0 = st + ts [cancelling]
-st = ts [cancelling]
st = ts [since st + st = 0]

Thanks.
 

1. What is a Commutative Ring?

A commutative ring is a mathematical structure consisting of a set of elements, a binary operation (usually addition), and a second binary operation (usually multiplication). These operations must meet specific criteria, such as being associative and distributive, and the ring must also have an identity element for each operation. The term "commutative" refers to the fact that the order in which the operations are performed does not affect the result.

2. What is the Commutative Ring Problem?

The Commutative Ring Problem is a mathematical problem that asks whether a given commutative ring can be embedded into a polynomial ring in a finite number of variables. This problem has been studied extensively in algebraic geometry and algebraic number theory, and it has important applications in cryptography and coding theory.

3. Why is the Commutative Ring Problem important?

The Commutative Ring Problem is important because it helps mathematicians understand and classify different types of rings. It also has practical applications in areas such as cryptography and coding theory, where the ability to construct and manipulate certain types of rings is essential.

4. What are some known solutions to the Commutative Ring Problem?

Some known solutions to the Commutative Ring Problem include the Noether normalization theorem, which states that any finitely generated commutative ring can be embedded into a polynomial ring in a finite number of variables, and the Zariski cancellation problem, which provides a way to determine when two polynomial rings are isomorphic. However, the problem remains open for certain types of rings, such as non-Noetherian rings.

5. What are some possible future developments in solving the Commutative Ring Problem?

Some possible future developments in solving the Commutative Ring Problem include finding more general solutions and techniques for embedding commutative rings into polynomial rings, as well as studying the problem in different contexts and for different types of rings. Advances in computational and algorithmic techniques may also lead to new approaches for solving this problem.

Similar threads

  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
808
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
573
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
516
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
501
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
18
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
2
Replies
43
Views
3K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
965
Back
Top