Prime elements in integral domains

In summary, the proof for Proposition 10 in Dummit and Foote's Section 8.3 on Unique Factorization Domains shows that in an integral domain, a prime element is always irreducible. This is due to the use of the cancelation law, which states that in an integral domain, if two elements have the same product with a non-zero element, then they must be equal. This fact is essential in proving that p is irreducible in the given proof.
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In Dummit and Foote, Section 8.3 on Unique Factorization Domains, Proposition 10 reads as follows:

Proposition 10: In an integral domain a prime element is always irreducible.

The proof reads as follows:

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Suppose (p) is a non-zero prime ideal and p = ab.

Then [TEX] ab = p \in (p) [/TEX], so by definition of prime ideal, one of a or b, say a, is in (p).

Thus a = pr for some r.

This implies p = ab = prb and so rb = 1 and b is a unit.

This shows that p is irreducible.

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My question is as follows: Where in this proof do D&F use the fact that p is in an integral domain? (It almost reads as if this applies for any ring)

Peter
 
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Peter said:
This implies p = ab = prb and so rb = 1 and b is a unit.

Since an integral domain has no zero divisors by definition there's a cancelation law which says:
Let [tex]R[/tex] be an integral domain and [tex]a,b,c \in R[/tex]. If [tex]a \neq 0[/tex] and [tex]ab=ac[/tex] then [tex]b=c[/tex].
 

FAQ: Prime elements in integral domains

What are prime elements in integral domains?

Prime elements in integral domains are elements that cannot be factored into smaller non-units. In other words, they are elements that are only divisible by 1 and themselves.

How are prime elements different from irreducible elements?

While both prime and irreducible elements cannot be factored into smaller non-units, the main difference is that prime elements are defined in integral domains, whereas irreducible elements can be defined in other algebraic structures such as rings and fields.

Can every element in an integral domain be factored into prime elements?

Yes, every non-zero, non-unit element in an integral domain can be factored into a unique product of prime elements. This is known as the fundamental theorem of arithmetic.

Are prime elements always unique in an integral domain?

No, prime elements are not always unique in an integral domain. In fact, there can be multiple prime elements that can generate the same ideal in an integral domain.

How are prime elements related to prime ideals in integral domains?

Prime elements are closely related to prime ideals in integral domains. In fact, in a principal ideal domain (PID), every prime element generates a prime ideal. Conversely, every nonzero prime ideal in a PID can be generated by a prime element.

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