Simple Problem - Establishing an Isomorphism

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Math Amateur
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Isomorphism
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on establishing an isomorphism between the tensor product \( S \otimes_R R \) and the module \( S \) as outlined in Dummit and Foote's text. The two homomorphisms, \( \Phi: S \otimes_R R \to S \) defined by \( \Phi(s \otimes r) = sr \) and \( \Phi': S \to S \otimes_R R \) defined by \( \Phi'(s) = s \otimes 1 \), are shown to be inverses of each other, confirming that \( \Phi \) is a bijective homomorphism. The identity \( \Phi \Phi' = I \) on simple tensors establishes the isomorphism definitively, as both morphisms are bijections.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of \( R \)-modules and homomorphisms
  • Familiarity with tensor products in algebra
  • Knowledge of bijective functions and their properties
  • Proficiency in the concepts of bilinearity and identity maps
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of \( R \)-module homomorphisms in detail
  • Learn about tensor products and their applications in algebra
  • Explore the concept of isomorphisms in the context of module theory
  • Investigate the bilinearity of tensor products and its implications
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, algebraists, and students studying module theory, particularly those interested in understanding tensor products and isomorphisms in the context of \( R \)-modules.

Math Amateur
Gold Member
MHB
Messages
3,920
Reaction score
48
In Example 7 in Dummit and Foote, Section 10.4. pages 369-370 (see attachment) D&F are seeking to establish an isomorphism:

$$ S \otimes_R R \cong S $$

They establish the existence of two S-module homomorphisms:

$$ \Phi \ : \ S \otimes_R R \to S $$

defined by $$ \Phi (s \otimes r ) = sr $$

and

$$ {\Phi}' \ : \ S \to S \otimes_R R $$

defined by $$ {\Phi}' (s) = s \otimes 1 $$D&F then show that $$ \Phi {\Phi}' = I $$ where I is the identity function on simple tensors ...

How does this establish that $$ S \otimes_R R \cong S $$ ... presumably this establishes $$ \Phi $$ as a bijective homomorphism ... but how exactly ...

Peter
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
A bijective homomorphism is also called an isomorphism...

To be a bit more clear, let us suppose we have two $R$-module homomorphisms:

$f:M \to N$
$g: N \to M$

such that $g \circ f = 1_M$, the identity map on $M$.

Claim 1: $g$ is surjective.

Let $m \in M$. Then $m = g(f(m))$ so that $m$ has the pre-image under $g$ of $f(m)$.

Claim 2: $f$ is injective.

Suppose $f(m) = f(m')$. Then $m - m' = g(f(m)) - g(f(m')) = g(f(m) - f(m')) = g(0) = 0$, so $m = m'$.

Now, if we already know $f$ is surjective, this means $f$ is bijective, hence an isomorphism (and $g$ is also likewise an isomorphism).

Since any $s \in S$ has the pre-image (under $\Phi$) $s \otimes 1$, $\Phi$ is clearly surjective.

By showing $\Phi'\Phi$ is the identity on simple tensors, it follows from the bilinearity of $\otimes$ that it is the identity on any SUM of simple tensors, that is, on any tensor.

(it should be clear that the identity map $I$ on $S\otimes_R R$ is indeed an $S$-linear map).

(EDIT: you have the composition order of $\Phi$ and $\Phi'$ reversed)

(EDIT #2: D&F also show that $\Phi\Phi' = 1_S$ which means these morphisms are two-sided inverses of each other, hence each is a bijection).
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K