Math 2.0

Commutative algebra Definition

Prime ideal

Builds on IdealCommutative ring

Definition

Let RR be a commutative ring. An ideal PP of RR is prime if it has these two properties.

  1. P≠RP \neq R.
  2. For all a,b∈Ra, b \in R, if ab∈Pa b \in P, then a∈Pa \in P or b∈Pb \in P.

Remarks

In ℤ\mathbb{Z}, the ideal nℤn\mathbb{Z} with n≥2n \ge 2 is prime if and only if nn is a prime number. The zero ideal of ℤ\mathbb{Z} is also prime. The zero ideal of RR is prime if and only if RR is an integral domain. An ideal PP is prime if and only if R/PR/P is an integral domain. Every maximal ideal is prime.

Reading path

To understand this page from the ground up, read these 5 pages in order. The foundations come first.

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Each page uses the pages above it. The colour of the bar on a box shows how strong the evidence is, and the box also gives it as text. The list has the same pages.
  • no evidence level
  1. Group concept
  2. Ring definition
  3. Commutative ring definition
  4. Ideal definition
  5. Prime ideal definition

Where this leads

24 pages build on this one.

Further reading

  1. Web https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prime_ideal, Definition
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