Prime Ideals in Z[sqrt(2)] and Cosets in ZxZ/I

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    Algebra Midterm
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The discussion focuses on two algebra problems involving prime ideals and cosets. In question 3, the ideal P = <sqrt(2)> in R = Z[sqrt(2)] is examined for its primality, with the need to demonstrate that P is a prime ideal and to analyze the localization Rp and its ideal Pp. For question 5, the ideal I = <(4,9), (6,12)> in R = ZxZ is discussed, emphasizing the need to confirm it is indeed an ideal and to determine the number of cosets in R/I. Participants clarify that ideals in these contexts are generated by specific elements and that understanding cosets is essential for solving the problem. The thread highlights the importance of foundational concepts in ring theory for tackling these algebraic challenges.
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I'm in an algebra (ring) class and I'm looking at a previous midterm (I have attached it here to prove that this is not homework problem).

Can anyone tell me how to answer question 3 and 5? I will repeat again in here:

3) Let R = Z[sqrt(2)] and P = <sqrt(2)> the ideal generated by sqrt(2)

a) Prove that P is a prime ideal.
b) Let D = Rp (localization of R at complement of P, aka ring of fractions of R w.r.t. (R-P) )
Let Pp be ideal of Rp generated by sqrt(2). Is Pp a prime ideal of Rp? Prove answer.

5) Let R = ZxZ (direct product of integer sets with operations defined as usual componentwise). Let I = < (4,9), (6,12) > ideal generated by those two elements. How many elements (cosets of I) does R/I have?


Any help would be appreciated. Let me repeat that this is not homework, as I have attached file proving that these are past test questions (which I got from school's math society website).
 

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For (3), first show how any member of Z[sqrt(2)] can be written. How is that related to the ideal <sqrt(2)>? IS that an ideal in Z[sqrt(2)]? What does it mean to say it is a prime ideal?

For 5, again, what IS an ideal of ZxZ? Can you show that the set generated by <(4,9), (6,12)> IS an ideal? What are "cosets" of that set?
 
HallsofIvy said:
For (3), first show how any member of Z[sqrt(2)] can be written. How is that related to the ideal <sqrt(2)>? IS that an ideal in Z[sqrt(2)]? What does it mean to say it is a prime ideal?

For 5, again, what IS an ideal of ZxZ? Can you show that the set generated by <(4,9), (6,12)> IS an ideal? What are "cosets" of that set?

I got 3)a) by doing exactly what you are implying, but can't get it to work for 3)b).


For 5), yes, a set generated by memebers of a ring like that are always ideals.
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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