Invertible elements in a commutative ring with no zero divisors

In summary, the conversation discusses whether a commutative ring with no zero divisors necessarily implies that every nonzero element is invertible. The participants consider giving a counter-example, such as the integers, to show that this is not the case.
  • #1
Lightf
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Homework Statement


Suppose that a commutative ring R, with a unit, has no zero divisors. Does that necessarily imply that every nonzero element of R is invertible?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



We have to show that there exists some b in R such that ab = e. Having no zero divisors implies that if b[itex]\neq[/itex]0 then ab[itex]\neq[/itex]0.

To show that every nonzero element of R is not invertible we must find a case where ab = c for some c in R and c [itex]\neq[/itex] e.

The question seems easy but I can't wrap my head around how to write it down.
 
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  • #2
Can you think of a particular example of such a ring? Is every non-zero element in it invertible?
 
  • #3
Oh can we just give an example, the integers form such a ring but the only invertible elements are 1 and -1. Therefore every non-zero element is not invertible and the question false.

Thanks!
 
  • #4
A counter-example is a perfectly good way to show that some particular statement is not true.
 

FAQ: Invertible elements in a commutative ring with no zero divisors

1. What is an invertible element in a commutative ring with no zero divisors?

An invertible element in a commutative ring with no zero divisors is an element that has a multiplicative inverse. This means that when multiplied by its inverse, the result is the multiplicative identity element, which is typically denoted as 1. In other words, an invertible element has a "partner" that, when multiplied together, result in 1.

2. How do you determine if an element is invertible in a commutative ring with no zero divisors?

To determine if an element is invertible in a commutative ring with no zero divisors, you can use the Euclidean algorithm. This algorithm involves finding the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the element and the ring's characteristic. If the GCD is 1, then the element is invertible. If the GCD is not 1, then the element is not invertible.

3. What is the significance of invertible elements in a commutative ring with no zero divisors?

Invertible elements play a crucial role in the structure of a commutative ring with no zero divisors. They allow for the existence of multiplicative inverses, which in turn allows for the division operation to be defined. This division operation is essential for many algebraic manipulations and plays a fundamental role in many mathematical concepts and applications.

4. Can an element be invertible in one commutative ring with no zero divisors but not in another?

Yes, an element can be invertible in one commutative ring with no zero divisors but not in another. This is because the characteristics of the rings can differ, and the Euclidean algorithm used to determine invertibility relies on the ring's characteristic. Therefore, an element may have a different GCD in one ring compared to another, resulting in different invertibility.

5. Are invertible elements the same as units in a commutative ring with no zero divisors?

Yes, invertible elements and units are the same in a commutative ring with no zero divisors. Invertible elements are often referred to as units because they have a multiplicative inverse, which is similar to how units in a measurement system have a corresponding inverse unit (e.g. meters and inverse meters). This terminology is used interchangeably in the context of commutative rings with no zero divisors.

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