K^n as a K[T]-module - Exercise 1.2.8 (a) - Berrick and Keating (B&K)

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In summary, a K[T]-module is a vector space over the field K, equipped with a linear transformation T that acts on its elements. This allows us to define a structure that is both a vector space and a module, and to study the relationship between these two structures. In this exercise, the vector space K^n is considered a K[T]-module by defining the action of T on its elements as shifting each component of the vector to the right. Using K[T] instead of just K in the module definition allows us to consider the action of T on the elements of the module. A K[T]-module is a special type of K-algebra, where the operations are defined in terms of T and its powers. K^n can
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I am reading An Introduction to Rings and Modules With K-Theory in View by A.J. Berrick and M.E. Keating (B&K).

I need help with Exercise 1.2.8 (a) (Chapter 1: Basics, page 3o) concerning \(\displaystyle K^n\) as a \(\displaystyle K[T]\)-module ... ...

First, so that MHB readers will understand the relevant notation for the construction of \(\displaystyle K^n\) as a \(\displaystyle K[T]\)-module, I am presenting the relevant text from B&K as follows:https://www.physicsforums.com/attachments/2997
Exercise 1.2.8 (a) (page 30) reads as follows:https://www.physicsforums.com/attachments/2998
https://www.physicsforums.com/attachments/2999So we are given that:

\(\displaystyle A\) is an \(\displaystyle n \times n\) matrix over a field \(\displaystyle K\)

\(\displaystyle U\) is a subspace of \(\displaystyle K^n\)

\(\displaystyle M\) is the \(\displaystyle K[T]\)-module obtained from the vector space of column vectors \(\displaystyle K^n\)

So we regard \(\displaystyle M=K^n\) as a right module over \(\displaystyle K[T]\)

Addition in \(\displaystyle M=K^n\) is normal column vector addition \(\displaystyle x+y\) where \(\displaystyle x, y \in K^n\) making \(\displaystyle M=K^n\) an abelian group as required

Given an \(\displaystyle n \times n\) matrix \(\displaystyle A\) over \(\displaystyle K\), a right action of \(\displaystyle f(T) \in K[T]\) on \(\displaystyle M\) is defined as follows:

\(\displaystyle xf(T) = xf_0 + Axf_1 + ... \ ... A^rxf_r
\)
where

\(\displaystyle f(T) = f_0 + f_1T + ... \ ... f_rT^r\)

We are required to show that:

------------------------------------------------

... a subspace \(\displaystyle U\) of \(\displaystyle K^n\) is a submodule \(\displaystyle L\) of \(\displaystyle M\) ...

if and only if

... \(\displaystyle AU \subseteq U\)

------------------------------------------------

Just reviewing the definitions of subspace and submodule in this context ...\(\displaystyle U\) is a subspace of \(\displaystyle K^n\) if \(\displaystyle U\) is a subset of \(\displaystyle K^n\) such that:

(1) \(\displaystyle 0 \in U\)

(2) \(\displaystyle x, y \in U \Longrightarrow x + y \in U \)

(3) \(\displaystyle f(T) \in k[T] , x \in U \Longrightarrow x f(T) \in U \)\(\displaystyle L\) is a submodule of \(\displaystyle M = K^n\) if \(\displaystyle L\) is a subset of \(\displaystyle K^n\) such that:

(1) \(\displaystyle 0 \in L\)

(2) \(\displaystyle x,y \in L \Longrightarrow x + y \in L
\)

(3) \(\displaystyle x \in L\) and \(\displaystyle f(T) \in K[T] \Longrightarrow xf(T) \in L\)

===========================

Now assume that the subspace \(\displaystyle U\) is a submodule \(\displaystyle L\) of \(\displaystyle M\)

Then we have that \(\displaystyle xf(T) \in U\) for all \(\displaystyle x \in L, f(T) \in K[T] \)

We need to show \(\displaystyle AU \subseteq U\)

So let \(\displaystyle x \in AU\)

Therefore

\(\displaystyle x = AU = \begin{pmatrix} a_{11} & a_{12} & a_{13} & ... & ... & a_{1n} \\ a_{21} & a_{22} & a_{23} & ... & ... & a_{2n} \\ a_{31} & a_{32} & a_{33} & ... & ... & a_{3n} \\... & ... & ... & ... & ... \\ ... & ... & ... & ... & ... \\ a_{n1} & a_{n2} & a_{n3} & ... & ... & a_{nn}\end{pmatrix} \begin{pmatrix} u_1 \\ u_2 \\u_3 \\.\\ .\\ u_s \\ 0 \\ 0 \\ .\\ . \\0 \end{pmatrix}\) for some integer \(\displaystyle s\) where \(\displaystyle s = dim(U)\)

Therefore

\(\displaystyle x = AU = \begin{pmatrix} a_{11}u_1 + a_{12}u_2 + a_{13}u_3 + ... \ ... + a_{1s}u_s + 0 +0 ... \ ... +0 \\ a_{21}u_1 + a_{22}u_2 + a_{23}u_3 + ... \ ... + a_{2s}u_s + 0 +0 ... \ ... +0 \\ a_{31}u_1 + a_{32}u_2 + a_{33}u_3 + ... ... + a_{3s}u_s + 0 +0 ... \ ... +0 \\... \ ... \\ ... \ ... \\ a_{n1}u_1 + a_{n2}u_2 + a_{n3}u_3 + ... ... + a_{ns}u_s +0 +0 ... \ ... +0 \end{pmatrix}\)

Thus \(\displaystyle x = AU \in U\) if \(\displaystyle a_{ij}u_j \in U\) since the terms of the matrix \(\displaystyle AU\) are sums of such elements and a subspace will contain these sums if the individual summands belong to it ...

But we are given that \(\displaystyle U\) is also a submodule L

Thus \(\displaystyle xf(T) \in L\) ...

... ... I was going to try to use this to show that each term \(\displaystyle a_{ij}u_j \in U\) ... ... BUT ... feel I have lost my way ...

Can someone please help ... ...

Peter
 
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  • #2
Peter said:
I am reading An Introduction to Rings and Modules With K-Theory in View by A.J. Berrick and M.E. Keating (B&K).

I need help with Exercise 1.2.8 (a) (Chapter 1: Basics, page 3o) concerning \(\displaystyle K^n\) as a \(\displaystyle K[T]\)-module ... ...

First, so that MHB readers will understand the relevant notation for the construction of \(\displaystyle K^n\) as a \(\displaystyle K[T]\)-module, I am presenting the relevant text from B&K as follows:https://www.physicsforums.com/attachments/2997
Exercise 1.2.8 (a) (page 30) reads as follows:https://www.physicsforums.com/attachments/2998
https://www.physicsforums.com/attachments/2999So we are given that:

\(\displaystyle A\) is an \(\displaystyle n \times n\) matrix over a field \(\displaystyle K\)

\(\displaystyle U\) is a subspace of \(\displaystyle K^n\)

\(\displaystyle M\) is the \(\displaystyle K[T]\)-module obtained from the vector space of column vectors \(\displaystyle K^n\)

So we regard \(\displaystyle M=K^n\) as a right module over \(\displaystyle K[T]\)

Addition in \(\displaystyle M=K^n\) is normal column vector addition \(\displaystyle x+y\) where \(\displaystyle x, y \in K^n\) making \(\displaystyle M=K^n\) an abelian group as required

Given an \(\displaystyle n \times n\) matrix \(\displaystyle A\) over \(\displaystyle K\), a right action of \(\displaystyle f(T) \in K[T]\) on \(\displaystyle M\) is defined as follows:

\(\displaystyle xf(T) = xf_0 + Axf_1 + ... \ ... A^rxf_r
\)
where

\(\displaystyle f(T) = f_0 + f_1T + ... \ ... f_rT^r\)

We are required to show that:

------------------------------------------------

... a subspace \(\displaystyle U\) of \(\displaystyle K^n\) is a submodule \(\displaystyle L\) of \(\displaystyle M\) ...

if and only if

... \(\displaystyle AU \subseteq U\)

------------------------------------------------

Just reviewing the definitions of subspace and submodule in this context ...\(\displaystyle U\) is a subspace of \(\displaystyle K^n\) if \(\displaystyle U\) is a subset of \(\displaystyle K^n\) such that:

(1) \(\displaystyle 0 \in U\)

(2) \(\displaystyle x, y \in U \Longrightarrow x + y \in U \)

(3) \(\displaystyle f(T) \in k[T] , x \in U \Longrightarrow x f(T) \in U \)\(\displaystyle L\) is a submodule of \(\displaystyle M = K^n\) if \(\displaystyle L\) is a subset of \(\displaystyle K^n\) such that:

(1) \(\displaystyle 0 \in L\)

(2) \(\displaystyle x,y \in L \Longrightarrow x + y \in L
\)

(3) \(\displaystyle x \in L\) and \(\displaystyle f(T) \in K[T] \Longrightarrow xf(T) \in L\)

===========================

Now assume that the subspace \(\displaystyle U\) is a submodule \(\displaystyle L\) of \(\displaystyle M\)

Then we have that \(\displaystyle xf(T) \in U\) for all \(\displaystyle x \in L, f(T) \in K[T] \)

We need to show \(\displaystyle AU \subseteq U\)

So let \(\displaystyle x \in AU\)

Therefore

\(\displaystyle x = AU = \begin{pmatrix} a_{11} & a_{12} & a_{13} & ... & ... & a_{1n} \\ a_{21} & a_{22} & a_{23} & ... & ... & a_{2n} \\ a_{31} & a_{32} & a_{33} & ... & ... & a_{3n} \\... & ... & ... & ... & ... \\ ... & ... & ... & ... & ... \\ a_{n1} & a_{n2} & a_{n3} & ... & ... & a_{nn}\end{pmatrix} \begin{pmatrix} u_1 \\ u_2 \\u_3 \\.\\ .\\ u_s \\ 0 \\ 0 \\ .\\ . \\0 \end{pmatrix}\) for some integer \(\displaystyle s\) where \(\displaystyle s = dim(U)\)

Therefore

\(\displaystyle x = AU = \begin{pmatrix} a_{11}u_1 + a_{12}u_2 + a_{13}u_3 + ... \ ... + a_{1s}u_s + 0 +0 ... \ ... +0 \\ a_{21}u_1 + a_{22}u_2 + a_{23}u_3 + ... \ ... + a_{2s}u_s + 0 +0 ... \ ... +0 \\ a_{31}u_1 + a_{32}u_2 + a_{33}u_3 + ... ... + a_{3s}u_s + 0 +0 ... \ ... +0 \\... \ ... \\ ... \ ... \\ a_{n1}u_1 + a_{n2}u_2 + a_{n3}u_3 + ... ... + a_{ns}u_s +0 +0 ... \ ... +0 \end{pmatrix}\)

Thus \(\displaystyle x = AU \in U\) if \(\displaystyle a_{ij}u_j \in U\) since the terms of the matrix \(\displaystyle AU\) are sums of such elements and a subspace will contain these sums if the individual summands belong to it ...

But we are given that \(\displaystyle U\) is also a submodule L

Thus \(\displaystyle xf(T) \in L\) ...

... ... I was going to try to use this to show that each term \(\displaystyle a_{ij}u_j \in U\) ... ... BUT ... feel I have lost my way ...

Can someone please help ... ...

Peter

Hi Peter,

I noticed that you wrote the same definition for a submodule of $K^n$ as you did for a subspace of $K^n$, but I know what you mean. Let's start from the beginning.

First, assume that $U$ is a submodule $L$ of $M$. Then for all $u\in U$, $uT\in U$, that is, $Au\in U$. Therefore, $AU\subset U$.

Conversely, suppose $AU\subset U$. Since $U$ is a subspace of $K^n$, to show that $U$ is a submodule of $M$, it suffices to show that $uf(T)\in U$ for all $u\in U$ and $f(T) \in K[T]$. Given $u\in U$, $uT = Au \in U$. Inductively, for all positive integers $j$, $uT^j = A^j u\in U$. Hence, by closure under addition and scalar multiplication in $U$, $uf(T) \in U$ for all $f(T)\in K[T]$. Since $u$ was arbitrary, the result follows.
 
  • #3
Let's look at a simple space, a simple subspace, and two different matrices $A$. Our field will be $\Bbb R$, our vector space will be $\Bbb R^2$, and our subspace $U$ will be:

$U = \{(x,0): x \in \Bbb R\}$.

Our first matrix will be:

$A = \begin{bmatrix}1&0\\1&1 \end{bmatrix}$

and our second matrix will be:

$A' = \begin{bmatrix}1&1\\0&1 \end{bmatrix}$.

These matrices look very similar, but we shall see that they behave very differently with respect to $U$.

Note that, for $u \in U$ we have:

$Au = \begin{bmatrix}1&0\\1&1 \end{bmatrix}\begin{bmatrix}x\\0 \end{bmatrix} = \begin{bmatrix}x\\x \end{bmatrix}$.

Since $Au = uT$, and $T$ is certainly one polynomial of $\Bbb R[T]$, we see we fail to have closure of $U$ as a (right) $\Bbb R[T]$-module, under this "scalar multiplication" (module action).

On the other hand, we have:

$A'u = \begin{bmatrix}1&1\\0&1 \end{bmatrix}\begin{bmatrix}x\\0 \end{bmatrix} = \begin{bmatrix}x\\0 \end{bmatrix}$.

It follows, then, that $uT \in U$, in fact $T$ acts as the identity on $U$, so that:

$(u)(f_0 + f_1T + \cdots + f_nT^n) = uf_0 + uf_1 + \cdots+uf_n = (f_0 + f_1 + \cdots f_n)u$ (we can put the scalar on the left since $\Bbb R$ is a commutative ring).

In fact, the reason $U$ is a $\Bbb R[T]$-submodule when $T$ acts as $A'$ and not when $T$ acts as $A$, is that $(1,0)$ is an eigenvector of $A'$. I'll say this again, because it's fairly important:

The eigenspaces of a matrix $A \in M_n(\mathcal{K})$, are $\mathcal{K}[T]$-invariant subspaces. If we have eigenspaces whose dimensions sum up to $n$, we can create a direct sum decomposition of $\mathcal{K}^n$ into $\mathcal{K}[T]$-invariant submodules.

This is a very happy occurence, because it means we can choose an eigenbasis, in which the matrix $A$ is diagonal, and so powers of $A$ can be computed by just taking the powers of the diagonal elements.

You have to realize we don't have "one" $\mathcal{K}[T]$-mdoule structure on $\mathcal{K}^n$, we have one for each matrix $A$. Different choices for $A$ will yield different module structures. So, in truth, the information we get is more about "what $A$ does", and not so much about the internal structure of $\mathcal{K}^n$.
 
  • #4
Deveno said:
Let's look at a simple space, a simple subspace, and two different matrices $A$. Our field will be $\Bbb R$, our vector space will be $\Bbb R^2$, and our subspace $U$ will be:

$U = \{(x,0): x \in \Bbb R\}$.

Our first matrix will be:

$A = \begin{bmatrix}1&0\\1&1 \end{bmatrix}$

and our second matrix will be:

$A' = \begin{bmatrix}1&1\\0&1 \end{bmatrix}$.

These matrices look very similar, but we shall see that they behave very differently with respect to $U$.

Note that, for $u \in U$ we have:

$Au = \begin{bmatrix}1&0\\1&1 \end{bmatrix}\begin{bmatrix}x\\0 \end{bmatrix} = \begin{bmatrix}x\\x \end{bmatrix}$.

Since $Au = uT$, and $T$ is certainly one polynomial of $\Bbb R[T]$, we see we fail to have closure of $U$ as a (right) $\Bbb R[T]$-module, under this "scalar multiplication" (module action).

On the other hand, we have:

$A'u = \begin{bmatrix}1&1\\0&1 \end{bmatrix}\begin{bmatrix}x\\0 \end{bmatrix} = \begin{bmatrix}x\\0 \end{bmatrix}$.

It follows, then, that $uT \in U$, in fact $T$ acts as the identity on $U$, so that:

$(u)(f_0 + f_1T + \cdots + f_nT^n) = uf_0 + uf_1 + \cdots+uf_n = (f_0 + f_1 + \cdots f_n)u$ (we can put the scalar on the left since $\Bbb R$ is a commutative ring).

In fact, the reason $U$ is a $\Bbb R[T]$-submodule when $T$ acts as $A'$ and not when $T$ acts as $A$, is that $(1,0)$ is an eigenvector of $A'$. I'll say this again, because it's fairly important:

The eigenspaces of a matrix $A \in M_n(\mathcal{K})$, are $\mathcal{K}[T]$-invariant subspaces. If we have eigenspaces whose dimensions sum up to $n$, we can create a direct sum decomposition of $\mathcal{K}^n$ into $\mathcal{K}[T]$-invariant submodules.

This is a very happy occurence, because it means we can choose an eigenbasis, in which the matrix $A$ is diagonal, and so powers of $A$ can be computed by just taking the powers of the diagonal elements.

You have to realize we don't have "one" $\mathcal{K}[T]$-mdoule structure on $\mathcal{K}^n$, we have one for each matrix $A$. Different choices for $A$ will yield different module structures. So, in truth, the information we get is more about "what $A$ does", and not so much about the internal structure of $\mathcal{K}^n$.

Thanks to Euge and Deveno for significant help ... It is very much appreciated ...

Just working through your posts now ...

Peter
 
  • #5
Hello Peter,

Let me try to help you with this exercise. We want to prove that AU \subseteq U if and only if U is a submodule of M=K^n.

First, assume that U is a submodule of M=K^n. This means that for any x \in U and f(T) \in K[T], we have xf(T) \in U. Now, let's take x \in AU. We can write x as x=AU for some matrix A and vector u \in U. Then, we have xf(T) = AUf(T) = A(f(T)u) \in U since f(T)u \in U. Thus, we have shown that AU \subseteq U.

Now, let's assume that AU \subseteq U. We want to show that U is a submodule of M=K^n. First, we need to show that U is a subset of M=K^n. This is true by definition since U is a subspace of K^n. Next, we need to show that U satisfies the submodule axioms (1), (2), and (3) as you have listed above.

For (1), we know that 0 \in U since U is a subspace of K^n.

For (2), let x,y \in U. Then, we can write x=AU and y=BU for some matrices A and B and some vector u,v \in U. Then, x+y = AU+BU = (A+B)u \in U since u \in U and A+B is a matrix. Thus, x+y \in U.

For (3), let x \in U and f(T) \in K[T]. Then, we can write x=AU for some matrix A and vector u \in U. Then, xf(T) = AUf(T) = A(f(T)u) \in U since f(T)u \in U. Thus, xf(T) \in U and we have shown that U satisfies the submodule axioms.

Therefore, we have shown that AU \subseteq U if and only if U is a submodule of M=K^n.

I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any further questions.

Best,
 

FAQ: K^n as a K[T]-module - Exercise 1.2.8 (a) - Berrick and Keating (B&K)

1. What is the definition of a K[T]-module?

A K[T]-module is a vector space over the field K, equipped with a linear transformation T that acts on its elements. This means that for any vector v in the module and any scalar a in K, the product av is also in the module, and T(av) = aT(v) holds.

2. How is K^n considered a K[T]-module in this exercise?

In this exercise, the vector space K^n is considered a K[T]-module by defining the action of T on its elements as follows: for any vector (x1, x2, ..., xn) in K^n and any scalar a in K, we have T(x1, x2, ..., xn) = (0, x1, x2, ..., xn-1). This means that T shifts each component of the vector to the right, with the leftmost component becoming 0.

3. What is the significance of using K[T] instead of just K in the module definition?

Using K[T] instead of just K allows us to consider the action of T on the elements of the module. This is important because it allows us to define a structure that is both a vector space and a module, and to study the relationship between these two structures.

4. How does the definition of a K[T]-module differ from that of a K-algebra?

A K[T]-module is a special type of K-algebra, where the algebraic operations are defined in terms of a linear transformation T. In a K-algebra, the operations are defined using arbitrary elements of the algebra, while in a K[T]-module, the operations are defined specifically using T and its powers.

5. Can K^n be a K[T]-module for any values of n and K?

Yes, K^n can be a K[T]-module for any values of n and K. However, the action of T on the elements of the module will be different depending on the values of n and K chosen. In this exercise, we are specifically considering the case where n is finite and K is a field, but the concept of a K[T]-module can be extended to other settings as well.

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