Can You Find a Counterexample for This Module Over a Commutative Ring?

In summary, the conversation discusses whether or not the statement that if $U \cap V = U \cap V'$ and $U+V=U+V'$ holds, then $V=V'$ is true for a commutative ring $A$, $A-$module $M$ and submodules $U,V,V'$ of $M$. It is concluded that this statement is not true, as a counterexample can be found by considering $\mathbb{R}^3$ as a module over $\mathbb{R}$ and taking specific submodules $U,V,V'$.
  • #1
Siron
150
0
Hi,

Let $A$ be a commutative ring, $M$ an $A-$module and $U,V,V'$ submodules of $M$ such that $U \cap V = U \cap V'$ and $U+V=U+V'$. Does it follow that $V=V'$?

The answer is no because the condition that $V \subset V'$ is necessary though I can't find a counterexample.

Does someone has a good counterexample for this wrong statement?

Thanks in advance!
Cheers,
Siron
 
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  • #2
By $U+V$, do you mean $\{u+v\mid u\in U,v\in V\}$?
 
  • #3
Evgeny.Makarov said:
By $U+V$, do you mean $\{u+v\mid u\in U,v\in V\}$?
Yes.
 
  • #4
Then it's easy to get a counterexample by considering $\mathbb{R}^3$ as a module over $\mathbb{R}$.
 
  • #5
Easy counter-example:

Let our parent $\Bbb R$-module be $\Bbb R^3$ as Evgeny suggests.

Take $U = \text{span}((0,1,0))$

$V = \text{span}((1,0,0))$

$V' = \text{span}((1,1,0))$.

It is clear that:

$U + V = U + V' = \Bbb R^2 \times \{0\}$ and:

$U \cap V = U \cap V' = \{(0,0,0)\}$

but $V \neq V'$.
 
  • #6
Deveno said:
Easy counter-example:

Let our parent $\Bbb R$-module be $\Bbb R^3$ as Evgeny suggests.

Take $U = \text{span}((0,1,0))$

$V = \text{span}((1,0,0))$

$V' = \text{span}((1,1,0))$.

It is clear that:

$U + V = U + V' = \Bbb R^2 \times \{0\}$ and:

$U \cap V = U \cap V' = \{(0,0,0)\}$

but $V \neq V'$.

Thanks Deveno and Evgeny!
 

FAQ: Can You Find a Counterexample for This Module Over a Commutative Ring?

What is a module over a commutative ring?

A module over a commutative ring is a generalization of the concept of a vector space over a field. It is a set of elements that can be added and multiplied by elements of a commutative ring, satisfying certain axioms. These include distributivity, associativity, and commutativity of addition, as well as compatibility with the ring's multiplication operation.

How is a module different from a vector space?

A module and a vector space have similar definitions and properties, but there are a few key differences. One major difference is that a vector space is defined over a field, while a module is defined over a commutative ring, which is a more general algebraic structure. Additionally, in a vector space, scalar multiplication must be closed under the field's multiplication, whereas in a module, scalar multiplication can be closed under a subring of the commutative ring.

What is the significance of the commutative ring in the definition of a module?

The commutative ring is important in the definition of a module because it provides the structure for the module's operations. The ring's commutativity ensures that the module's addition and scalar multiplication are well-defined and satisfy the necessary properties. Without the commutative ring, a module cannot be defined.

Can a module have multiple bases?

Yes, a module can have multiple bases, just like a vector space. A basis for a module is a set of elements that can be used to generate all other elements in the module through linear combinations. However, unlike vector spaces, not all modules have a finite basis, and some may even have an infinite number of bases.

What are some examples of modules over a commutative ring?

Some examples of modules over a commutative ring include vector spaces, polynomial rings, and modules over a group ring. Other examples include modules of ideals in a ring, modules over a quotient ring, and modules over a product of rings. In general, any type of algebraic structure that satisfies the axioms of a module over a commutative ring can be considered a module.

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