Proving Primary Ideals in \mathbb{Z}: Peter's Challenge

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In summary, Dummit and Foote state that the primary ideals in \mathbb{Z} are 0 and the ideals (p^m) for p a prime and m \ge 1. The conversation discusses the difficulty in proving that (4) is not a primary ideal and asks for help in finding an easy way to demonstrate this. It also mentions the definition of a primary ideal and how (4) fits into it as (p^m) with p=2 and m=2. The conversation ends with the acknowledgement that this was missed initially.
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In Dummit and Foote on page 682 Example 1 reads as follows:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The primary ideals in [itex] \mathbb{Z} [/itex] are [itex] 0 [/itex] and the ideals [itex] (p^m) [/itex] for [itex] p [/itex] a prime and [itex] m \ge 1 [/itex].-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So given what D&F say, (4) is obviously not primary.

I began trying to show from definition that (4) was not a primary from the definition, but failed to do this

Can anyone help in this ... and come up with an easy way to show that (4) is not primary?

Further, can anyone please help me prove that the primary ideals in [itex] \mathbb{Z} [/itex] are 0 and the ideals [itex] (p^m) [/itex] for p a prime and [itex] m \ge 1 [/itex].

PeterNote: the definition of a primary idea is given in D&F as follows:

Definition. A proper ideal Q in the commutative ring R is called primary if whenever [itex] ab \in Q [/itex] and [itex] a \notin Q [/itex] then [itex] b^n \in Q [/itex] for some positive integer n.

Equivalently, if [itex] ab \in Q [/itex] and [itex] a \notin Q [/itex] then [itex] b \in rad \ Q [/itex]
 
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[itex](4)[/itex] is primary, and this agrees with what D&F said. Indeed [itex](4)=(p^m)[/itex] where, [itex]p=2[/itex] and [itex]m=2[/itex].
 
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Thanks economicsnerd!

Not entirely sure how I missed that ... :-(
 

FAQ: Proving Primary Ideals in \mathbb{Z}: Peter's Challenge

What is "Proving Primary Ideals in Z: Peter's Challenge"?

"Proving Primary Ideals in Z: Peter's Challenge" is a mathematical problem proposed by mathematician Peter Scholze in which he challenges others to prove the primary ideal theorem in the ring of integers (Z).

What is the primary ideal theorem?

The primary ideal theorem states that every ideal in the ring of integers (Z) can be written as a product of primary ideals. This theorem is important in understanding the structure of ideals in Z.

Why is this problem challenging?

This problem is challenging because it is an open problem that has not yet been solved. It requires a deep understanding of abstract algebra and number theory to come up with a proof.

What are some potential approaches to solving this problem?

Some potential approaches to solving this problem include using techniques from algebraic geometry, commutative algebra, and number theory. Researchers are also trying to connect this problem to other known theorems and conjectures in mathematics.

Why is solving this problem important?

Solving this problem would have significant implications in algebra and number theory. It would not only provide a better understanding of ideals in Z, but it could also lead to new insights and connections in other areas of mathematics.

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