Is the Endomorphism Ring of a Finite Dimensional Vector Space Dedekind Finite?

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    2015
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SUMMARY

The endomorphism ring of a finite dimensional vector space over a field $\Bbb k$, denoted as $\text{End}_{\Bbb k}(V)$, is proven to be Dedekind finite. This conclusion is established through the solutions provided by forum members, specifically highlighting the contributions of user Opalg. The discussion emphasizes the significance of understanding the properties of endomorphism rings in the context of finite dimensional vector spaces.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of finite dimensional vector spaces
  • Familiarity with endomorphism rings
  • Knowledge of Dedekind finite concepts
  • Basic algebraic structures over fields
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of Dedekind finite rings
  • Explore the structure of endomorphism rings in more detail
  • Investigate the implications of finite dimensionality in vector spaces
  • Learn about non-determinantal arguments in algebra
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, algebraists, and students studying linear algebra or ring theory will benefit from this discussion, particularly those interested in the properties of vector spaces and endomorphism rings.

Euge
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Here is this week's POTW:

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Prove that if $V$ is a finite dimensional vector space over field $\Bbb k$, then the endomorphism ring $\text{End}_{\Bbb k}(V)$ is Dedekind finite.

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This week's problem was correctly solved by Opalg. Here is his solution:

Choosing a (finite) basis for $V$, we can associate a matrix, and hence a determinant, with each element of $\mathrm{End}_{\mathbb k}(V).$

Suppose that $S,T \in \mathrm{End}_{\mathbb k}(V)$, and $ST = \mathrm{id}$. Then $\det(S)\det(T) = 1$ and so $\det(S) \ne0$. Therefore $S$ is invertible. It follows that $T = (S^{-1}S)T = S^{-1}(ST) = S^{-1}$. Hence $TS = S^{-1}S = \mathrm{id}$.

Here is also my solution, which uses a non-determinantal argument:

Let $n = \mathrm{dim}_{\Bbb k}(V)$. The ring $\rm{End}_{\Bbb k}(V)$ is identified with the matrix ring $M_n(\Bbb k)$ via the isomorphism $\Lambda : M_n(\Bbb k)\to \rm{End}_{\Bbb k}(V)$, $A\xrightarrow{\Lambda} (x \mapsto Ax)$. So it suffices to show $M_n(\Bbb k)$ is Dedekind finite. Let $A, B\in M_n(\Bbb k)$ such that $AB = I$. Then $BA = I$ if and only if $A$ is invertible. By way of contradiction, suppose $A$ is not invertible. Then there is a sequence $E_1,\ldots, E_s$ of elementary matrices such that $E_1\cdots E_s A$ has a row of zeros. Then $E_1\cdots E_s = E_1\cdots E_sAB$ has a row of zeros. This contradicts invertibility of $E_1\cdots E_s$. Thus $BA = I$ and consequently $M_n(\Bbb k)$ is Dedekind finite.
 

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