Can a left Noetherian ring have $xy = 1$ without also having $yx = 1$?

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    2015
In summary, a left Noetherian ring is a type of mathematical structure where every ascending chain of left ideals eventually stabilizes. The equation xy = 1 means that when two elements are multiplied, the result is the identity element. The significance of this property without also having yx = 1 is that it creates a non-commutative ring, where the order of multiplication matters and can lead to different left and right inverses for elements. This question is important in mathematics as it helps expand our understanding of mathematical structures and has real-world applications in areas such as coding theory and cryptography. An example of a left Noetherian ring with xy = 1 but without yx = 1 is the matrix ring M<sub>2
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Here's this week's problem!Problem. Prove that if $A$ is a left Noetherian ring, then $xy = 1$ implies $yx = 1$, for every pair $x,y\in A$.
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No one answered this week's problem. You can find my solution below.

Let $x,y\in A$ with $xy = 1$. Since $A$ is left Noetherian, the infinite chain $\operatorname{Ann}(y) \subseteq \operatorname{Ann}(y^2) \subseteq \cdots$ stabilizes, so there exists a positive integer $n$ for which $\operatorname{Ann}(y^n) = \operatorname{Ann}(y^{n+1})$. Let $z = yx - 1$. Then $zy = y(xy) - y = y - y = 0$, whence $z\in \operatorname{Ann}(y)$. Since $xy = 1$, $x^n y^n = 1$, so $z = zx^n y^n$. Thus $0 = zy = zx^ny^{n+1}$, which implies $zx^n\in \operatorname{Ann}(y^{n+1})$. Then $zx^n \in \operatorname{Ann}(y^n)$, i.e., $zx^ny^n = 0$. Since $x^n y^n = 1$, $z = 0$. Hence, $yx = 1$.
 
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FAQ: Can a left Noetherian ring have $xy = 1$ without also having $yx = 1$?

Can you explain the terms "left Noetherian ring" and "xy = 1" in simple terms?

A left Noetherian ring is a type of mathematical structure in abstract algebra. It is a type of ring where every ascending chain of left ideals (subsets of the ring that satisfy certain properties) eventually stabilizes. The equation xy = 1 means that when two elements x and y are multiplied together, the result is the identity element 1.

What is the significance of a left Noetherian ring having xy = 1 without also having yx = 1?

This scenario is known as a non-commutative ring, where the order of multiplication matters. It means that the ring is not symmetric, and certain properties and theorems that hold for commutative rings may not hold for non-commutative rings. In particular, it means that the ring may have different left and right inverses for elements, which can lead to interesting mathematical structures.

Why is this question important in the field of mathematics?

This question is important because it helps expand our understanding of the properties and behaviors of mathematical structures. By examining cases where certain properties hold or do not hold, we can gain insights into the underlying structures and potentially discover new results or theorems. It also has applications in areas such as algebraic geometry and number theory.

Are there any real-world applications for this question?

While the concept of left Noetherian rings and non-commutative rings may seem abstract, they have many real-world applications. For example, non-commutative rings are used in coding theory for error-correcting codes. They also have applications in cryptography, where the non-commutative property can provide additional security measures.

Can you provide an example of a left Noetherian ring with xy = 1 but without yx = 1?

Yes, one example is the matrix ring M2(R) over the real numbers R. In this ring, the elements A = [[1 0], [0 0]] and B = [[0 1], [0 0]] satisfy AB = I (the 2x2 identity matrix) but BA = 0. This shows that a left Noetherian ring can have elements that are left invertible but not right invertible, leading to the equation xy = 1 without yx = 1.

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