I have the following question:  I dont get a, why do we take x^(m-1) to prove the zero divisor, please explain in detail.

Elements Of Modern Algebra
8th Edition
ISBN:9781285463230
Author:Gilbert, Linda, Jimmie
Publisher:Gilbert, Linda, Jimmie
Chapter5: Rings, Integral Domains, And Fields
Section5.1: Definition Of A Ring
Problem 49E: An element a of a ring R is called nilpotent if an=0 for some positive integer n. Prove that the set...
icon
Related questions
Question

I have the following question: 

I dont get a, why do we take x^(m-1) to prove the zero divisor, please explain in detail.

An element x in R is called nilpotent if x = 0 for some m € Z+.
Let x be a nilpotent element of the commutative ring R
(a) Prove that x is either zero or a zero divisor.
(b) Prove that rx is nilpotent for all r & R.
(c) Prove that 1 + x is a unit in R.
(d) Deduce that the sum of a nilpotent element and a unit is a unit.
Transcribed Image Text:An element x in R is called nilpotent if x = 0 for some m € Z+. Let x be a nilpotent element of the commutative ring R (a) Prove that x is either zero or a zero divisor. (b) Prove that rx is nilpotent for all r & R. (c) Prove that 1 + x is a unit in R. (d) Deduce that the sum of a nilpotent element and a unit is a unit.
Expert Solution
steps

Step by step

Solved in 4 steps with 37 images

Blurred answer
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Elements Of Modern Algebra
Elements Of Modern Algebra
Algebra
ISBN:
9781285463230
Author:
Gilbert, Linda, Jimmie
Publisher:
Cengage Learning,