proof of the ring of integers of a number field is finitely generated over ℤ


Proof:  Choose any basis α1,…,αn of K over ℚ. Using the theorem in the entry multiplesMathworldPlanetmathPlanetmath of an algebraic numberMathworldPlanetmath, we can multiply each element of the basis by an integer to get a new basis α1,…,αn with each αi∈𝒪K.
Consider the group homomorphismMathworldPlanetmath

φ:K→ℚn:γ↦(TrℚK⁡(γ⁢α1),…,TrℚK⁡(γ⁢αn))

where TrℚK is the trace (http://planetmath.org/trace2) from K to ℚ. Note that φ is 1-1, since if γ≠0 and φ⁢(γ)=0, then

n=TrℚK⁡(1)=TrℚK⁡(γ⁢γ-1)=TrℚK⁡(γ⁢∑ri⁢αi)=∑ri⁢TrℚK⁡(γ⁢αi)=0

where the last equality holds since γ∈ker⁡φ.

Hence φ:𝒪K↪ℤn, so 𝒪K is finitely generatedMathworldPlanetmathPlanetmath and torsion-free. It has rank ≥n since the αi are linearly independentMathworldPlanetmath, and rank ≤n since it injects into ℤn, so it has rank n.

Title proof of the ring of integers of a number field is finitely generated over ℤ
Canonical name ProofOfTheRingOfIntegersOfANumberFieldIsFinitelyGeneratedOvermathbbZ
Date of creation 2013-03-22 16:03:07
Last modified on 2013-03-22 16:03:07
Owner rm50 (10146)
Last modified by rm50 (10146)
Numerical id 9
Author rm50 (10146)
Entry type Proof
Classification msc 13B22