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[parent] a finite integral domain is a field (Theorem)

A finite integral domain is a field.

Proof:
Let $R$ be a finite integral domain. Let $a$ be nonzero element of $R$

Define a function $\varphi \colon R \rightarrow R$ by $\varphi(r)=ar$

Suppose $\varphi(r)=\varphi(s)$ for some $r,s \in R$ Then $ar=as$ which implies $a(r-s)=0$ Since $a \neq 0$ and $R$ is a cancellation ring, we have $r-s=0$ So $r=s$ and hence $\varphi$ is injective.

Since $R$ is finite and $\varphi$ is injective, by the pigeonhole principle we see that $\varphi$ is also surjective. Thus there exists some $b \in R$ such that $\varphi(b)= ab = 1_R$ and thus $a$ is a unit.

Thus $R$ is a finite division ring. Since it is commutative, it is also a field.

Note:
A more general result is that an Artinian integral domain is a field.




"a finite integral domain is a field" is owned by yark. [ full author list (2) | owner history (1) ]
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See Also: finite ring has no proper overrings


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Attachments:
alternative proof that a finite integral domain is a field (Proof) by Wkbj79
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Cross-references: an Artinian integral domain is a field, field, commutative, division ring, unit, surjective, pigeonhole principle, injective, cancellation ring, implies, function, integral domain, finite, proof
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This is version 8 of a finite integral domain is a field, born on 2002-07-06, modified 2006-08-05.
Object id is 3158, canonical name is AFiniteIntegralDomainIsAField.
Accessed 8764 times total.

Classification:
AMS MSC13G05 (Commutative rings and algebras :: Integral domains)

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