Direct sum of p-primary components of an R-module counterexample?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the properties of the $x$-torsion of $R$-modules, specifically addressing the equation $T_x(M \oplus N) = T_x(M) \oplus T_x(N)$. It is established that this equality holds if and only if $R$ is a Principal Ideal Domain (PID). The participants seek a counterexample for the case when $R$ is merely an integral domain, illustrating that the equality does not hold in general. A specific example is not provided, but the reasoning behind the failure of the converse is clearly articulated.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of $R$-modules and their properties
  • Knowledge of $x$-torsion elements in module theory
  • Familiarity with Principal Ideal Domains (PIDs)
  • Basic concepts of algebraic structures in ring theory
NEXT STEPS
  • Research counterexamples in module theory where $R$ is an integral domain
  • Study the implications of torsion in modules over non-PID rings
  • Explore the structure of $R$-modules and their decomposition properties
  • Investigate the role of torsion-free modules in algebra
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, algebraists, and graduate students focusing on module theory, particularly those interested in the properties of torsion in various ring structures.

kalish1
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Let $x \in R - \{0\},$ where $R$ is a domain.

Define $T_x(M) = \{m \in M \ | \ x^n m=0 \ \ \mathrm{for \ some} \ n \in \mathbb{N}\}$ as the $x$-torsion of $M.$

I know that $T_x(M \oplus N) = T_x(M) \oplus T_x(N)$ for $R$-modules $M,N$ only if $R$ is a PID.

But I can't think of a counterexample for $R$ an integral domain.

Any ideas?
 
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kalish said:
Let $x \in R - \{0\},$ where $R$ is a domain.

Define $T_x(M) = \{m \in M \ | \ x^n m=0 \ \ \mathrm{for \ some} \ n \in \mathbb{N}\}$ as the $x$-torsion of $M.$

I know that $T_x(M \oplus N) = T_x(M) \oplus T_x(N)$ for $R$-modules $M,N$ only if $R$ is a PID.

But I can't think of a counterexample for $R$ an integral domain.

Any ideas?

Here is the modified problem:

Let $x \in R - \{0\},$ where $R$ is a domain.

Define $T_x(M) = \{m \in M \ | \ x^n m=0 \ \ \mathrm{for \ some} \ n \in \mathbb{N}\}$ as the $x$-torsion of $M.$

I need to show that $T_x(M \oplus N) = T_x(M) \oplus T_x(N)$ for $R$-modules $M,N$ or show that there is a counterexample.

Why is this proof wrong?

Take $(a,b)\in T_x(M\oplus N)$. Then there exist $m,n \in \mathbb{N},$ not necessarily equal, such that $x^m a + x^n b=0.$ Take $(a,b)\in T_x(M) \oplus T_x(N)$. Then there exist $m,n \in \mathbb{N}$ such that $x^m a=0$ and $x^n b=0.$ So if $(a,b)\in T_x(M) \oplus T_x(N),$ then $(a,b)\in T_x(M\oplus N).$ But the converse is not true. Thus $T(M \oplus N) \neq T(M) \oplus T(N).$
 

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