Proving Algebraic Proofs: Cancellation & Exponents

In summary, the conversation discusses algebra proofs involving commutative rings with identity. The main focus is on proving that a ring is an integral domain if and only if cancellation holds. The conversation also touches on using induction to prove algebraic expressions.
  • #1
chaotixmonjuish
287
0
Algebra Proofs!

I have two questions just to help verify what I'm doing:

Let R be a commutative ring with identity. Prove that R is an integral domain if and only if cancellation holds in R (that is, a no equal to 0 and ab=ac in R imply b=c)

=> Suppose cancellation holds: ab=0 -> ab=0a -> a isn't 0 so b=0

<= Since a doesn't equal 0
ab=ac -> ab-ac=0 -> a(b-c)=0 -> b-c=0 -> b=c cancellation holds

alternatively, could the second part be proven as such:

ab=ac
a^-1ab=aca^-1
b=c
cancellation holds

My second question is: How do I go about proving the following

(a^m)(a^n)=a^m+n and (a^m)^n=a^mn
 
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  • #2


Your "alternative" cannot be used because a-1 does not necessarily exist!

For your second question, I would suggest fixing m and using induction on n.
 

FAQ: Proving Algebraic Proofs: Cancellation & Exponents

What is an algebraic proof?

An algebraic proof is a mathematical method used to show that a given statement or equation is always true. It involves using known properties and rules of algebra to manipulate equations and expressions.

What is cancellation in algebraic proofs?

Cancellation is a property of algebra that allows us to eliminate common factors or terms from both sides of an equation. It is often used in algebraic proofs to simplify expressions and equations.

How do you use cancellation to prove an algebraic statement?

To use cancellation in an algebraic proof, you must identify common factors or terms on both sides of an equation and eliminate them by dividing or multiplying both sides. This will help simplify the equation and make it easier to prove.

What are exponents and how are they used in algebraic proofs?

Exponents are a way of representing repeated multiplication in algebra. They are written as a superscript number next to a base number and indicate how many times the base number should be multiplied by itself. Exponents are often used in algebraic proofs to manipulate expressions and equations.

Can you give an example of an algebraic proof using cancellation and exponents?

Sure, let's say we want to prove that (x^2 + 3x) / x = x + 3. We can use cancellation to eliminate the common factor of x on the left side, giving us (x + 3). We can then use the exponent property x^2 = x * x to rewrite x + 3 as (x * x + 3). This can be further simplified to x + 3, proving that the original statement is true.

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