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19. Rings, Fields and Polynomials

The lecture focuses on rings, fields, and polynomials over rings as algebraic structures. Key properties of rings and fields are examined, including their axioms and examples, particularly involving integers modulo N. The discussion extends to polynomials defined over rings, detailing operations like addition and multiplication and their adherence to ring axioms. Throughout, the significance of invertible elements and their implications for these algebraic structures are highlighted.

Sections

Discrete Mathematics

This section covers the concepts of rings, fields, and polynomials in discrete mathematics, outlining their definitions, properties, and examples.

19.1 Section Overview

Start current section content and materials

Rings, Fields and Polynomials

This section discusses the definitions and key properties of rings, fields, and polynomials over rings.

19.2 Section Overview

Start current section content and materials

19.2.1 Definition of a Ring

In this section, the concept of a ring in abstract algebra is introduced, detailing its structure, operations, and essential axioms.

19.2.2 Axioms of a Ring

This section discusses the properties that define a ring in abstract algebra, including the essential axioms necessary for a set and operations to qualify as a ring.

19.2.3 Examples of Rings

This section introduces rings, detailing their axioms and specific examples, including the ring of integers modulo N, and explores invertible elements within rings.

19.2.4 Invertible Elements of a Ring

This section discusses the concept of invertible elements within the structure of a ring, detailing which elements have multiplicative inverses and introducing the set of all invertible elements, U(ℝ).

19.2.5 The Set U(ℝ)

This section defines the set of invertible elements in a ring and establishes its significance in relation to ring theory.

19.2.6 Proof of Invertible Elements Forming a Subgroup

This section explains the concept of invertible elements in a ring and proves that the set of such elements forms a subgroup.

19.2.7 Definition of a Field

This section defines fields in abstract algebra, detailing their axioms and significance in algebraic structures.

19.2.8 Field Axioms

This section discusses the axioms defining fields, emphasizing the relational structure of sets under addition and multiplication, and contrasts these with rings.

19.2.9 Polynomials Over Rings

This section provides an understanding of polynomials defined over rings and their operations, drawing parallels with familiar polynomial concepts.

Learning Objectives

  • Rings are algebraic structures defined by a set and two operations satisfying specific axioms.

  • Fields are a special type of ring where every non-zero element is invertible.

  • Polynomials can be defined over rings and must adhere to the operations and properties established by their corresponding rings.

Key Concepts

Ring

An algebraic structure consisting of a set equipped with two operations satisfying ring axioms, including closure, associativity, and distributivity.

Field

A set with two operations that satisfies field axioms; every non-zero element has a multiplicative inverse.

Polynomial

An expression involving variables raised to non-negative integer powers and coefficients from a ring, following specific operations of addition and multiplication.

Practice Exercises

Total Questions

2

Estimated Time

4 min

Passing Score

70%

Instructions

  • Read each question carefully
  • You can use hints if you need help
  • Complete all questions before submitting

1 more question available

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