Chapter 3: Problem 2
Show that the set of all real numbers of the form \(a+b \sqrt{2}\), where \(a\) and \(b\) are ratioral numbers, is a ficld If \(a\) and \(b\) are restncted to the integers show that this set is a ring, but 15 not a field
Short Answer
Expert verified
The set of all numbers of the form \(a+b \sqrt{2}\) with \(a,b\) rational numbers forms a field, while the same set with \(a,b\) being integers forms a ring, but not a field.
Step by step solution
01
Verify properties of Field
We consider the set \(F = \{a+b\sqrt{2} : a,b \in Q\}\) where Q is the set of all rational numbers. We need to prove it is a field by verifying below properties1. Addition and multiplication are closed in F. Let's take two elements \(x = a + b\sqrt{2}\) and \(y = c + d\sqrt{2}\). Their sum \(x + y = (a + c) + (b + d)\sqrt{2}\) and their product \(xy = (ac + 2bd) + (ad + bc)\sqrt{2}\) are both in F.2. The set F has an additive identity '0' and each element in F has an additive inverse. For any element in F, \(a + b\sqrt{2}\), the additive inverse is \(-a - b\sqrt{2}\)3. The set F has a multiplicative identity '1', and element in F except '0' has a multiplicative inverse. Except when \(a = b = 0\), which gives '0', there exists a multiplicative inverse given by \(\frac{a - b\sqrt{2}}{a^2 - 2b^2}\) which belongs to F.4. The set F is associative and commutative under addition and multiplication.
02
Verify properties of Ring
Now we consider the set \(R = \{a+b\sqrt{2} : a,b \in Z\}\) where Z is the set of all integers. We follow similar steps as in Step 1, however in proving R to be a ring we are not obligated to show the existence of multiplicative inverses. By reusing and rechecking the proofs in step 1: 1. R is closed under addition and multiplication. 2. R has additive identity '0' and each element in R has an additive inverse.3. R has a multiplicative identity '1'.4. The set R is associative and commutative under addition and multiplication, and multiplication is distributive over addition.However, unlike in Step 1, each non-zero element of R does not necessarily have a multiplicative inverse in R. Therefore, R is a ring but not a field.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Field Theory
Field theory is a branch of abstract algebra that studies fields. A field is a set equipped with two operations: addition and multiplication, which follow certain rules. To determine if a set is a field, it should satisfy several key properties:
- Closure: For any two elements from the set, the sum and product should also be in the set.
- Additive and Multiplicative Identity: The set must have elements that act as identities for addition and multiplication. Typically, these are '0' and '1', respectively.
- Additive and Multiplicative Inverses: Every element must have an additive inverse (such that adding it to the original number results in zero) and a multiplicative inverse (such that multiplying it by the original number results in one), except for the additive inverse of zero.
- Associativity and Commutativity: Operations must be associative (the grouping of operands does not affect the result) and commutative (the order of operands does not affect the result).
- Distributive Law: Multiplication must distribute over addition, meaning the expression \(a(b+c)\) equals \(ab + ac\).
Ring Theory
Ring theory is another important part of abstract algebra, focusing on sets that have addition and multiplication. A ring is less restrictive than a field because it does not require every element (except zero) to have a multiplicative inverse. To be classified as a ring, a set should satisfy:
- Closure under Addition and Multiplication: The result of adding or multiplying any two elements should be an element of the set.
- Additive Identity: There must be a 'zero' element such that adding it to any other element of the set does not change that element.
- Additive Inverses: Each element should have an additive inverse within the set.
- Associativity of Addition and Multiplication: The operations must be associative.
- Distributive Property: Multiplication must distribute over addition.
Real Numbers
Real numbers are a crucial part of mathematics, especially when dealing with field and ring theories. The set of real numbers \(\mathbb{R}\) includes all rational and irrational numbers, providing a continuous sequence without gaps. Within this vast set, operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division (except by zero) are defined and satisfy field properties:
- Archimedean Property: There are no infinitely large or small numbers, meaning there is always a real number larger or smaller than any given real number.
- Completeness: Every non-empty subset of real numbers that is bounded has a least upper bound, making \(\mathbb{R}\) complete in terms of limits and convergence.
- Density: Between any two real numbers, there exists another real number. This property ensures the continuity of \(\mathbb{R}\).