Two Minimal Prime Ideals in k[X,Y]/<XY>

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying the minimal prime ideals in the quotient ring k[X,Y]/, where k is a field. The original poster seeks to demonstrate that there are exactly two minimal prime ideals in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the definition of minimal prime ideals and question whether it should include the term 'non-trivial'. There is also exploration of the relationship between prime ideals in k[X,Y] and those in the quotient ring. Additionally, some participants express uncertainty about how to proceed with the problem, particularly regarding the irreducibility of elements and their implications for minimal prime ideals.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with various interpretations being explored. Some participants have offered modifications to definitions and are considering the implications of irreducible elements, while others are questioning the foundational assumptions regarding prime ideals.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the need for clarity on the definition of minimal prime ideals, particularly in relation to non-trivial subsets. The discussion also hints at a potential correspondence between ideals in the original ring and those in the quotient, suggesting that further exploration of this relationship may be necessary.

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Homework Statement


Show that there are exactly two minimal prime ideals in k[X,Y]/<XY>. P is a minimal prime ideal if it is prime and every subset of P that is a prime ideal is actually P. k is a field.


The Attempt at a Solution



Prime ideals of k[X,Y] are <0> and <f> for irreducibles f. But then doesn't every ideal contain <0>? So how can there be other prime ideals?
 
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I think that that definition should be modified to include the word 'non-trivial' somewhere in there. How about:

P is a minimal prime ideal if it is prime and every non-trivial subset of P that is a prime ideal is actually P. k is a field.
 
Alright, but even with that, I'm still not sure how to preceed. It probably has to do with the fact that nontrivial prime ideals of k[X,Y] are generated by irreducible elements. Somehow this translates to two nontrivial minimal prime ideals in k[X,Y]/<XY>
 
I could be mistaken but I think that the idea of a correspondence between ideals in R and ideals in R/I might called for here.

Edit:

What's (xn + 1)(ym + 1) in R[x, y]/(xy)?
How does xn + ym factor?
 
Last edited:

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