Is $ \mathbb{Z}_p $ an Integral Domain and Principal Ideal Domain?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the properties of the ring $ \mathbb{Z}_p $, specifically whether it is an integral domain and a principal ideal domain (PID). Participants explore the definitions and implications of these properties, as well as the proof provided for $ \mathbb{Z}_p $ being a PID, while also questioning the relationship between $ \mathbb{Z}_p $ and $ \mathbb{Z}/p\mathbb{Z}$. The conversation includes technical reasoning and seeks clarification on the proof's steps.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that $ \mathbb{Z}_p $ is a principal ideal domain and an integral domain, citing the structure of its ideals.
  • Participants discuss the proof that $ \mathbb{Z}_p $ is an integral domain, focusing on the existence of non-zero elements and their products.
  • There is a question regarding whether $ \mathbb{Z}_p $ is equivalent to $ \mathbb{Z}/p\mathbb{Z} $, with some noting that $ \mathbb{Z}_p $ refers to the set of integer p-adics.
  • Some participants express uncertainty about the relevance of the ideals $ p^n \mathbb{Z}_p $ in the proof and seek alternative proofs for $ \mathbb{Z}_p $ being a PID.
  • Clarifications are requested regarding the proof steps and the implications of the definitions involved.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that $ \mathbb{Z}_p $ is a principal ideal domain and an integral domain, but there is disagreement regarding the equivalence of $ \mathbb{Z}_p $ and $ \mathbb{Z}/p\mathbb{Z}$. The discussion remains unresolved on the best approach to prove $ \mathbb{Z}_p $ is a PID.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the need for clarity on the definitions of $ \mathbb{Z}_p $ and its ideals, as well as the assumptions underlying the proof provided. The discussion reflects varying levels of familiarity with p-adic numbers and their properties.

evinda
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Hello! (Wave)

The following holds for the ring $ \mathbb{Z}_p, p \in \mathbb{P}$:

The ring $ \mathbb{Z}_p $ is a principal ideal domain, especially an integral domain.

I try to understand the following proof:

Proof:

We will show that $ \mathbb{Z}_p $ is an integral domain.
The fact that $ \mathbb{Z}_p $ is a principal ideal domain can be concluded from the proposition "$\mathbb{Z}_p $ contains only the ideals $0$ and $p^n \mathbb{Z}_p $" for $n \in \mathbb{N}_0 $. It holds $ \bigcap_{n \in \mathbb{N}_0} p^n \mathbb{Z}_p=0$ and $ \mathbb{Z}_p / p^n \mathbb{Z}_p \cong \mathbb{Z} \ p^n \mathbb{Z}$.
Especially $ p \mathbb{Z}_p$ is the only maximal Ideal. "

Let $ x=(\overline{x_k}), y=(\overline{y_k}) \in \mathbb{Z}_p \setminus \{0\} $ and $ z=(\overline{z_k})=xy=(\overline{x_ky_k})$.

Since $ x,y \neq 0$ there are $ m,n \in \mathbb{N}_0 $ with $x_n \not\equiv 0 \mod{p^{n+1}}$ and $ y_m \not\equiv 0 \mod{p^{m+1}}$.
We set $ l:=n+m+1$. From $ x_l \equiv x_n \mod{p^{n+1}}$ and $ y_l \equiv y_m \mod{p^{m+1}}$ we deduce the existence of the partitions $ x_l=u \cdot p^{n'}$ and $ y_l=v \cdot p^{m'}$ with $gcd(u,p)=gcd(v,p)=1$, $ n' \leq n $ and $ m' \leq m$. Then since $ n'+m'<l $ we have that

$ z_l=uvp^{n'+m'} \not\equiv 0 \mod{p^{l+1}}$, and so $ z \neq 0$.Could you explain me step by step the above proof? (Thinking)
 
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evinda said:
Hello! (Wave)

The following holds for the ring $ \mathbb{Z}_p, p \in \mathbb{P}$:

The ring $ \mathbb{Z}_p $ is a principal ideal domain, especially an integral domain.

I try to understand the following proof:

Proof:

We will show that $ \mathbb{Z}_p $ is an integral domain.
The fact that $ \mathbb{Z}_p $ is a principal ideal domain can be concluded from the proposition "$\mathbb{Z}_p $ contains only the ideals $0$ and $p^n \mathbb{Z}_p $" for $n \in \mathbb{N}_0 $. It holds $ \bigcap_{n \in \mathbb{N}_0} p^n \mathbb{Z}_p=0$ and $ \mathbb{Z}_p / p^n \mathbb{Z}_p \cong \mathbb{Z} \ p^n \mathbb{Z}$.
Especially $ p \mathbb{Z}_p$ is the only maximal Ideal. "

Let $ x=(\overline{x_k}), y=(\overline{y_k}) \in \mathbb{Z}_p \setminus \{0\} $ and $ z=(\overline{z_k})=xy=(\overline{x_ky_k})$.

Since $ x,y \neq 0$ there are $ m,n \in \mathbb{N}_0 $ with $x_n \not\equiv 0 \mod{p^{n+1}}$ and $ y_m \not\equiv 0 \mod{p^{m+1}}$.
We set $ l:=n+m+1$. From $ x_l \equiv x_n \mod{p^{n+1}}$ and $ y_l \equiv y_m \mod{p^{m+1}}$ we deduce the existence of the partitions $ x_l=u \cdot p^{n'}$ and $ y_l=v \cdot p^{m'}$ with $gcd(u,p)=gcd(v,p)=1$, $ n' \leq n $ and $ m' \leq m$. Then since $ n'+m'<l $ we have that

$ z_l=uvp^{n'+m'} \not\equiv 0 \mod{p^{l+1}}$, and so $ z \neq 0$.Could you explain me step by step the above proof? (Thinking)

Is $\mathbb Z_p$ the same as $\mathbb Z/p\mathbb Z$? In that case $\mathbb Z_p$ is a field and thus a PID. I ask this because I don't see why you'd consider $p^n\mathbb Z_p$ in your proof.
 
caffeinemachine said:
Is $\mathbb Z_p$ the same as $\mathbb Z/p\mathbb Z$? In that case $\mathbb Z_p$ is a field and thus a PID. I ask this because I don't see why you'd consider $p^n\mathbb Z_p$ in your proof.

$\mathbb{Z}_p$ is the set of integer p-adics.

We only use this sentence: "$\mathbb{Z}_p $ contains only the ideals $0$ and $p^n \mathbb{Z}_p $" for $n \in \mathbb{N}_0 $ because it is an other proposition of the theorem I am looking at.
So could we also prove it in an other way that $\mathbb{Z}_p$ is a PID? (Thinking)
 
evinda said:
$\mathbb{Z}_p$ is the set of integer p-adics.

We only use this sentence: "$\mathbb{Z}_p $ contains only the ideals $0$ and $p^n \mathbb{Z}_p $" for $n \in \mathbb{N}_0 $ because it is an other proposition of the theorem I am looking at.
So could we also prove it in an other way that $\mathbb{Z}_p$ is a PID? (Thinking)
Oh. Thanks for clarifying. Wish I could help. Don't know anything about $p$-adics.
 

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