Is the direct sum of isomorphic commutative rings always equal in size?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the problem of whether the direct sums of isomorphic nonzero commutative rings, denoted as $R^m$ and $R^n$, imply that the integers $m$ and $n$ must be equal. The conclusion drawn is that if $R^m \cong R^n$, then it is established that $m = n$. This result is significant in the study of ring theory and highlights the properties of direct sums in the context of commutative algebra.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of commutative rings and their properties
  • Familiarity with the concept of direct sums in algebra
  • Knowledge of isomorphism in the context of algebraic structures
  • Basic principles of ring theory and dimensionality
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of direct sums in commutative algebra
  • Explore the concept of isomorphism in more depth, particularly in ring theory
  • Learn about the implications of dimensionality in algebraic structures
  • Investigate examples of nonzero commutative rings and their direct sums
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, algebraists, and students studying ring theory, particularly those interested in the properties of commutative rings and their direct sums.

Euge
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Here is this week's POTW:

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If $R$ is a nonzero commutative ring such that the direct sums $R^m$ and $R^n$ are isomorphic, show that $m = n$.

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No one answered this week’s problem. You can read my solution below.

Let $\mathfrak{m}$ be a maximal ideal of $R$, and consider the residue field $k := R/\mathfrak{m}$. If $f : R^m \to R^n$ is an isomorphism, then it induces an isomorphism $1 \otimes f : k \otimes_R R^m \to k \otimes_R R^n$. Now $k \otimes_R R^m$ and $k\otimes_R R^n$ are $k$-vector spaces of dimensions $m$ and $n$, respectively; since those vector spaces are isomorphic, $m = n$.
 

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