Proof Noetherian Ring: $M^2 \ne M$

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The discussion centers on proving that for a Noetherian ring \( R \) with a maximal ideal \( M \), it holds that \( M^2 \neq M \). The proof begins by noting that \( M \) is finitely generated, leading to a contradiction if \( M^2 = M \). The key insight is the application of Nakayama's lemma, which implies the existence of an idempotent element \( e \in M \) such that \( M = (e) \). This contradicts the assumption that \( M \) is maximal, thereby establishing that \( M^2 \) cannot equal \( M \.

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Amer
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Can you check my Work or mention a link for a proof.
Let $R$ be Noetherian ring. Then if $M$ is a maximal ideal in $R$. Prove that $M^2 \ne M$.

Proof:
Since $R$ is Noetherian ring then $M$ is finitely generated. Thus $M = (a_1, a_2 , \cdots, a_k)$ we can choose the $a_i's $ which are minimal in the sense that $M$ can't be generated if we ignore one of the $a_i's$. Also that means one $a_i$ can be generated by other $a's $.

Suppose on the contrary that $M^2 = M$. Hence $a_1 \in M^2 $. But elements of $M^2$ has the form $\displaystyle \sum_{i=1}^{n} k_i a_j a_h$ for some $n$
Therefore
$\displaystyle a_1 = \sum_{i=1}^{n} k_i a_j a_h $ the right hand side is divisible by $a_1$ since the left hand side is. and since $a_1$ can't be generated by other $a_i's$ that means $a_1$ should appear on terms of the right hand side moving these terms to the left and factoring $a_1$ we will get someone like this

$\displaystyle a_1 ( 1 - \sum_{i=1}^{n} c_i a_i) = \sum_{i=1}^{m} k_i a_j a_h ,~~~ i, j \ne 1$
I think the right hand side is equal to zero if it is then we will get $1 = \sum_{i=1}^{n} c_i a_i $, it follows that $1 \in M$ a contradiction. But is it zero ?. if it is not then how i can prove it.

Thanks
 
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Hi Amer, is it assumed that $R$ is a commutative?
 
Euge said:
Hi Amer, is it assumed that $R$ is a commutative?

yea commutative with 1
 
Ok. The proof you've provided is incorrect. Here's something to keep in mind. If $M^2 = M$, then since $M$ is finitely generated, Nakayama's lemma gives an $e \in M$ for which $m = em$ for all $m \in M$. In particular, $e^2 = e$, i.e., $e$ is idempotent. Furthermore, $M = (e)$.
 

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