Math 2.0

Number theory Counterexample

Z[√-5] is not a UFD

Builds on Unique factorisation domainIrreducible elementAssociate elements

Counterexample

The integral domain ℤ[−5]={a+b−5:a,b∈ℤ}\mathbb{Z}[\sqrt{-5}] = \{a + b\sqrt{-5} : a, b \in \mathbb{Z}\} is not a unique factorisation domain. In this ring, 6=2⋅3=(1+−5)(1−−5).6 = 2 \cdot 3 = (1 + \sqrt{-5})(1 - \sqrt{-5}). Let N(a+b−5)=a2+5b2N(a + b\sqrt{-5}) = a^2 + 5b^2. Then NN is multiplicative, and N(2)=4N(2) = 4, N(3)=9N(3) = 9, N(1±−5)=6N(1 \pm \sqrt{-5}) = 6. No element has norm 22 or 33, because a2+5b2∉{2,3}a^2 + 5b^2 \notin \{2, 3\} for integers a,ba, b. So the four factors are irreducible. The only units are ±1\pm 1, so 22 is not an associate of 1+−51 + \sqrt{-5} or of 1−−51 - \sqrt{-5}. The two factorisations are different.

Remarks

The element 22 is irreducible but not prime in this ring. Every nonzero nonunit of ℤ[−5]\mathbb{Z}[\sqrt{-5}] is still a product of irreducibles. Only the uniqueness fails. Unique factorisation holds again for ideals: ℤ[−5]\mathbb{Z}[\sqrt{-5}] is a Dedekind domain.

Reading path

To understand this page from the ground up, read these 11 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. Unit of a ring definition
  5. Zero divisor definition
  6. Divisibility in a commutative ring definition
  7. Integral domain definition
  8. Associate elements definition
  9. Irreducible element definition
  10. Unique factorisation domain definition
  11. Z[√-5] is not a UFD counterexample

Further reading

  1. Web https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unique_factorization_domain, Non-examples
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Kindcounterexample
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MSC11R11
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