Chapter 14: Problem 3
If \(A\) or \(B\) is flat, prove that \(\operatorname{Tor}_{n}(A, B)=0\) for all \(n \geq 1\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
If either module \( A \) or \( B \) is flat, then \( \operatorname{Tor}_n(A, B) = 0 \) for all \( n \geq 1 \).
Step by step solution
01
Understanding Tor functors
The Tor functor, denoted by \( \operatorname{Tor}_n(A, B) \), measures the 'non-flatness' of two modules \( A \) and \( B \) over a commutative ring \( R \). Specifically, if \( A \) or \( B \) is flat, \( \operatorname{Tor}_n(A, B) \) is zero for all \( n \geq 1 \). This concept is an extension of the tensor product of modules.
02
Definition of Flatness
A module \( M \) over a ring \( R \) is flat if the functor \( - \otimes_R M \) is exact, meaning it preserves the exactness of any short exact sequence of \( R \)-modules. In simpler terms, this means that any sequence of \( R \)-modules that is exact remains exact after tensoring with \( M \).
03
Applying the definition
Consider if \( A \) is a flat module. Then for any short exact sequence of \( R \)-modules \( 0 \to X \to Y \to Z \to 0 \), the tensor product sequence \( 0 \to X \otimes_R A \to Y \otimes_R A \to Z \otimes_R A \to 0 \) is also exact due to the flatness of \( A \). This implies that the derived functors \( \operatorname{Tor}_n(A, B) \) for \( n \geq 1 \) are zero.
04
Considering flatness of B
Similarly, if \( B \) is flat instead of \( A \), then for any short exact sequence \( 0 \to X \to Y \to Z \to 0 \) of \( R \)-modules, the sequence \( 0 \to X \otimes_R B \to Y \otimes_R B \to Z \otimes_R B \to 0 \) is exact, thereby making \( \operatorname{Tor}_n(A, B) = 0 \) for all \( n \geq 1 \).
05
Conclusion with generality
Regardless of which module is flat (either \( A \) or \( B \)), the property of exactness holds and the higher Tor functors \( \operatorname{Tor}_n(A, B) \) vanish for all \( n \geq 1 \). Either module flatness provides the same result due to symmetric property of tensor product in the argument of Tor.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Tor functor
The Tor functor, denoted as \( \operatorname{Tor}_n(A, B) \), plays an essential role in algebra, particularly in module theory and homological algebra. This functor quantifies the failure of flatness when dealing with modules over a ring. It essentially measures how far a tensor product of two modules \( A \) and \( B \) deviates from being exact.
- If either module \( A \) or \( B \) is flat, \( \operatorname{Tor}_n(A, B) \) becomes trivial for all \( n \geq 1 \).
- The functor is related to the process of deriving tensor products, which yields a series of abelian groups that are used to understand the interaction of modules.
Flat module
Flatness is a foundational concept in module theory. A module \( M \) over a ring \( R \) is described as flat if the tensoring functor \( - \otimes_R M \) preserves exactness of sequences.
What does this mean practically? Consider a short exact sequence of \( R \)-modules:
What does this mean practically? Consider a short exact sequence of \( R \)-modules:
- \( 0 \to X \to Y \to Z \to 0 \).
- \( 0 \to X \otimes_R M \to Y \otimes_R M \to Z \otimes_R M \to 0 \).
Tensor product
The tensor product is a pivotal construction in algebra, allowing the combination of modules over a ring in a manner that generalizes the outer product for vector spaces. Given two \( R \)-modules \( A \) and \( B \), their tensor product \( A \otimes_R B \) forms a new module.
- The construction adheres to bilinearity, meaning it respects the operations of module addition and scalar multiplication.
- Because of its properties, the tensor product is a versatile tool for forming more complex structures from simpler ones.
Exact sequence
In the realm of algebra, exact sequences help describe the structure-preserving maps between algebraic objects like groups or modules. A sequence of modules and homomorphisms
Exact sequences succinctly capture key features of module transformations and relationships:
- \( \cdots \to A \xrightarrow{f} B \xrightarrow{g} C \to \cdots \)
Exact sequences succinctly capture key features of module transformations and relationships:
- Short exact sequences contain only three nontrivial modules and represent fundamental algebraic concepts like extensions and morphisms.
- They are applied in a broad range of areas including homological algebra, topology, and complex analysis to understand the properties and interactions of different algebraic structures.