Study Guide for Algebra
Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Amherst College
September, 2016
This study guide was written to help you prepare for the algebra portion of the Comprehensive and Honors
Qualifying Examination in Mathematics. It is based on the Syllabus for Algebra (Math 350 ) available on the
Department website.
Each topic from the syllabus is accompanied by a brief discussion and examples from old exams. When
reading this guide, you should focus on three things:
• Understand the ideas. If you study problems and solutions without understanding the underlying ideas,
you will not be prepared for the exam.
• Understand the strategy of each proof. Most proofs in this guide are short—the hardest part is often
knowing how to start. Focus on the setup step rather than falling into the trap of memorizing proofs.
• Understand the value of scratchwork. Sometimes scratchwork is needed before you start the proof.
The final section of the guide has some further suggestions for how to prepare for the exam.
1 Sets, Functions, and the Integers
There are some fundamental topics that you are unlikely to get tested on directly, but which could come up
indirectly. So you should know them. In particular:
F or functions and sets , know the following basics
• One-to-one, onto, and bijective maps.
• The identity function and inverse functions.
• Equivalence relations and equivalence classes (at least in specific cases like the right coset relation, and
its equivalence classes, the right cosets)
F or the integers Z and natural numbers N, know the following basics:
• The notation a|b and the division algorithm in Z.
• Greatest common divisors and least common multiples inN. (This includes the fact that if gcd(a,b ) =d,
then there exist m,n∈ Z such that ma +nb =d.)
• Prime numbers and unique factorization.
2 Groups
Some basic things to know:
• The definition of group.
• Uniqueness of identities and inverses.
1

The identity of G is usually denoted e or eG, although for some specific groups it may have a different
symbol. (For example, if the operation on G is called +, then the identity element is usually called 0.)
Recall that we say G is abelian if the group operation is commutative, i.e., if xy =yx for all x,y∈G.
Orders of Groups and Elements. Know:
• Forg∈G and n∈ Z, know what gn means.
• If the operation on G is called +, then we write ng instead of gn.
• When G is finite, its order |G| is the number of elements in the group.
• When g∈G has finite order, its order o(g) is the smallest integer m> 0 with gm =e.
• If gm =e for some m∈ Z, then o(g)|m.
Be prepared to prove the last statement above using the division algorithm. See 9 and 15 for problems
that use gm =e⇒o(g)|m.
3 Subgroups
Know the definition of subgroup and how to prove that a given subset is a subgroup.
1 (January 2012) Let G be a group, and let H,K ⊆ G be subgroups of G. Prove the following
standard theorem about subgroups: that H∩K is a subgroup of G.
Proof. (Nonempty) Since H and K are subgroups of G, we have e∈H and e∈K. So e∈H∩K,
and hence H∩K⁄= ∅.
(Closed under∗) Given a,b∈H∩K, we have ab∈H and ab∈K since H and K are closed under
the operation. So ab∈H∩K, as desired.
(Closed under−1) Givena∈H∩K, we havea−1∈H anda−1∈K sinceH andK are closed under
inverses. So ab∈H∩K as desired.
Thus,H∩K is a subgroup of G. QED
See 3 for another problem where you have to prove that a subset is a subgroup.
Cyclic Subroups. An element g∈G generates the cyclic subgroup ⟨g⟩ ={gm|m∈ Z}. There are many
therorems about cyclic groups, but for the algebra exam, one key fact to know is that g has finite order if
and only if⟨g⟩ is finite, in which case o(g) =o(⟨g⟩). [Do you know why this fact is true?]
See 2 and 6 for problems involving cyclic subgroups.
Lagrange’s Theorem. This theorem says that if H is a subgroup of a finite group G, then the order of H
divides the order of G. That is, |H|
⏐⏐|G|. When g is an element of a finite group G, Lagrange’s Theorem has
several important consequences:
• If|G| is prime, then G is cyclic.
• For allg∈G, we have o(g)
⏐⏐|G|.
• For allg∈G, we have g|G| =e.
These consequences all follow from Lagrange, using the fact that for any g∈ G, we have o(g) =|⟨g⟩|.
[Be sure you know how to use this fact to prove the statements above!] In fact, on the comps, if you have
a finite group G and want to conclude any of the three bulleted statements above, you may justify simply
by saying “by Lagrange’s Theorem.” See 2 , 8 , and 9 for problems that use these corollary versions of
Lagrange’s Theorem.
2

2 (March 2007) Let p,q≥ 2 be prime numbers, and let G be a group of order|G| =pq. Let H ⊊G
be a proper subgroup (i.e., H is a subgroup but is not the full group G).
Prove that H is cyclic.
Proof. Since|G|<∞, Lagrange’s Theorem says that |H|
⏐⏐|G|. Thus, |H| is one of the four numbers
1,p,q,pq . However, since H is proper, we must have|H|<|G| =pq. Three cases remain:
If|H| = 1, then H ={e} is the trivial group, which is generated by e and so is cyclic.
Otherwise,H has prime orderp orq, and therefore it is cyclic by (a corollary of) Lagrange’s Theorem.
QED
Comment. This is a proof that may require some scratchwork and multiple attempts before you figure
out how to do it. It’s not immediately obvious how to prove that H is cyclic; where are you going to
find a generator? But the fact that G is finite, and that we know something pretty specific about the
factorization of|G|, suggest that Lagrange’s Theorem is at least something we could try.
Of course, just because a group is finite doesn’t necessarily mean you should use Lagrange’s Theorem.
But it’s worth trying it in your scratchwork to see if it might lead to something good. Just be ready
to try other things, too, in case your first thought doesn’t work out.
Note: It would also be a good idea for you to know the proof of Lagrange’s Theorem, because that proof
uses another very important concept: cosets.
4 Cosets
Given a subgroup H⊆G, know the definitions of left coset gH and right coset Hg. Also know:
• Two right cosets Hx and Hy are either the same set or disjoint sets. (That is, if they share even one
element, they are exactly the same set.) The same holds for left cosets.
(On the other hand, a right coset and a left coset can intersect each other without being the same set.)
• Hx =Hy ⇐⇒ xy−1∈H ⇐⇒ x∈Hy.
• xH =yH ⇐⇒ y−1x∈H ⇐⇒ x∈yH.
• In particular, Hx =H ⇐⇒ x∈H ⇐⇒ xH =H.
• When H is finite, all cosets of H have the same number of elements.
The second item above describes the right coset relation [or criterion for equality of right cosets ], and the
third is the left coset relation [or criterion for equality of left cosets ]. They are really important, so let’s
say them again:
Hx =Hy ⇐⇒ xy−1∈H and xH =yH ⇐⇒ y−1x∈H
Know these facts , and be able to prove them quickly from scratch (to help ensure you don’t get them
backwards).
Note: in discussing the coset relation so far, we have been writing the group operation as multiplication.
However, if G is abelian and the group operation is written as addition, then the left and right cosets of
H⊆G coincide and are written
H +a ={h +a|h∈H}.
Here, the coset relation becomes
H +a =H +b ⇐⇒ a−b∈H ⇐⇒ a∈H +b.
Most algebra exams include a problem that uses coset relations. See 8 and 10 for such examples
involving groups. See also 21 , 25 , and 27 for examples involving rings.
Sometimes there are problems involving cosets directly in the statement, like this one:
3

3 (January 2016) Let G be a group, let H⊆G be a subgroup, and define the set K to be
K ={x∈G|Hx =xH}.
Prove that K is a subgroup of G.
Proof. We prove thatK is a subgroup of G as follows.
(1) Let e be the identity element of G. Then He =H =eH, so e∈K.
(2) Given a,b∈K, we have H(ab) = (Ha)b = (aH)b =a(Hb) =a(bH) = (ab)H. So ab∈K.
(3) Given a∈K, we have Ha =aH. Multiplying by a−1 on the left and the right gives
a−1(Ha)a−1 =a−1(aH)a−1
=⇒ a−1H(aa−1) = (a−1a)Ha−1,
which implies a−1H =Ha−1. Thus a−1∈K, proving that K is a subgroup. QED
Comment 1. The above equations are equations of sets. Be careful when you manipulate them, to
make sure that you are not just pushing symbols around, but that you actually understand what you
are doing. For example, H(ab) and Ha are really
H(ab) ={h(ab)|h∈H} and Ha ={ha|h∈H}.
So in the first equation of (2) above, when we said H(ab) = (Ha)b, what we were really saying was
that
H(ab) ={h(ab)|h∈H} ={(ha)b|h∈H} ={xb||x∈Ha} = (Ha)b.
Comment 2. The proofs of (1) and (2) are fairly straightforward, but thinking of (3) requires some
scratchwork. Given Ha = aH, multiplying each side by a−1 makes sense. But how do you know
whether to multiply on the left or on the right? Answer: you don’t know! So pick one and see what
happens. That is: do some scratchwork! Multiplying by a−1 on the left gives
a−1(Ha) =a−1(aH) =⇒ a−1Ha = (a−1a)H =eH =H.
Since a−1Ha =H still has a on the right, multiplying by a−1 on the right is also needed.
The Index of a Subgroup. When a group G is a union of finitely many left cosets of a subgroup H, we
say that H has finite index in G, and the index of H in G is defined to be
[G :H] = number of distinct left cosets of H in G.
The same holds for right cosets. An example is nZ⊆ Z with index [ Z : nZ] = n. Can you explain why?
WhenG is finite, [G :H] =|G|/|H|, since all cosets of H have the same number of elements. (Do you know
why all cosets of H have the same cardinality? And do you know how this fact is used to prove Lagrange’s
Theorem?)
5 Normal Subgroups
Given a subgroup H⊆G, know that H being normal in G is equivalent to any of the following conditions:
• gH =Hg for all g∈G.
• gHg−1 =H for all g∈G.
• ghg−1∈H for all g∈G and h∈H.
4

Many problems involve proving that a subgroup is normal. Here are some:
4 (January 2012) Let G be a group, and let H,K ⊆ G be normal subgroups of G. Prove that
H∩K is a normal subgroup of G. You may assume without proof that H∩K is a subgroup.
Proof. Givena∈H∩K,g∈G, we know thatgag−1∈H andgag−1∈K sinceH andK are normal.
Thus,gag−1∈H∩K, so H∩K is normal in G as desired. QED
5 (January 2011) Suppose that H⊆G is a subgroup with the property that for every x,y∈G, we
havexyx−1y−1∈H. Prove that H is a normal subgroup of G.
Proof. Assume g∈G and h∈H. By the given property of H, we have ghg−1h−1∈H. Since H is
closed under multiplication, ghg−1 =ghg−1(h−1h) = (ghg−1h−1)h∈H as desired. QED
Comment. You want to proveghg−1∈H forh∈H, but the hypothesis doesn’t quite look like that—
instead, it involves ghg−1h−1. DON’T fall into the trap of starting with the hypothesis. Instead,
start with the object that you’re trying to prove things about – namely ghg−1 – and rewrite it in a
way that the thing from your hypothesis – namely ghg−1h−1 – appears. This gives
ghg−1 = (ghg−1)(h−1h) = (ghg−1h−1)h
and leads to the proof given above. The key point is to think about the goal first, and then do
scratchwork to figure out how you can work in the hypothesis.
6 Let G be a group, and let s∈G. The centralizer of s in G is defined to be
C(s) ={g∈G :gs =sg}.
(a) Prove that C(s) is a subgroup of G.
(b) Prove that⟨s⟩ is contained in C(s). (Recall that ⟨s⟩ is the subgroup of G generated by s.)
(c) Prove that⟨s⟩ is a normal subgroup of C(s).
Proof. (a): (Nonempty): We have es =s =se, and therefore e∈C(s). So C(s)⁄= ∅.
(Closed under∗): Given g,h∈C(s), we have
(gh)s =g(hs) =g(sh) = (gs)h = (sg)h =s(gh),
so gh∈C(s), as desired.
(Closed under inverses): Given g∈C(s), we have gs =sg, so
g−1s =g−1sgg−1 =g−1gsg−1 =sg−1,
so g−1∈C(s), as desired. QED (a)
(b): Given x∈⟨s⟩, we have x =sn for some n∈ Z. So
xs =sns =sn+1 =ssn =sx,
so x∈C(s), as desired. QED (b)
(c): Given g∈C(s) and h∈⟨s⟩, there is some n∈ Z such that h =sn. So
(ghg−1)s =gsng−1s =sngg−1s =sns =sn+1 =ssn =ssngg−1 =sgsng−1 =s(ghg−1).
Thus,ghg−1∈C(s), as desired. QED
5

Other problems involve using the fact that a subgroup is normal to prove something else.
7 (February 2013) Let G be a group, let H ⊆ G be a subgroup, and let N ◁G be a normal
subgroup. Define
NH ={xh :x∈N and h∈H}.
Prove that NH is a subgroup of G.
Proof. (Nonempty): Since N and H are both nonempty, we may choose x∈ N and h∈ H. Then
xh∈NH , so NH⁄= ∅.
(Closed under ∗): Given x,y ∈ NH , write x = n1h1 and y = n2h2, for some n1,n 2 ∈ N and
h1,h 2∈H. Since N is a normal subgroup of G, we have h1N =Nh 1. Thus, there is some n3∈N
such that h1n2 =n3h1. So
xy = (n1h1)(n2h2) =n1(h1n2)h2 =n1(n3h1)h2 = (n1n3)(h1h2)∈NH,
as desired, since n1n3∈N and h1h2∈H.
(Closed under inverses): Given x∈NH , write x =nh with n∈N and h∈H. Since N is a normal
subgroup of G, we have hN =Nh. Thus, there is some n1∈N such that nh =hn1. So
x−1 = (nh)−1 = (hn1)−1 =n−1
1 h−1∈NH,
as desired, since n−1
1 ∈N and h−1∈H. QED
Alternate Proof. (Nonempty): Since N andH are both nonempty, we may choose x∈N andh∈H.
Then xh∈NH , so NH⁄= ∅.
(Closed under ∗): Given x,y ∈ NH , write x = n1h1 and y = n2h2, for some n1,n 2 ∈ N and
h1,h 2∈H. Then
xy = (n1h1)(n2h2) =n1(h1n2)(h−1
1 h1)h2 =
(
n1(h1n2h−1
1 )
)
(h1h2).
Nown1,n 2∈N, and hence h1n2h−1
1 ∈N since N is normal, and therefore n1(h1n2h−1
1 )∈N. Since
h1h2∈H, then the above equation shows xy∈NH , as desired.
(Closed under inverses): Given x∈NH , write x =nh with n∈N and h∈H. Then
x−1 = (nh)−1 =h−1n−1 = (h−1n−1h)h−1.
Nowh−1n−1h∈N since N is normal in G, and h−1∈H, so the above equation shows x−1∈NH ,
as desired. QED
Comment. Serious scratchwork is required for either version of this proof. The key thing to keep in
mind when you are allowed to use the hypothesis that N is normal in G (rather than when you need
to prove it’s normal) is that if you ever see an expression like gn withn∈N, you can replace it with
the expression n′g withn′∈n; same g, possibly a different n′∈N. (This is the idea used in the first
proof above.) Or, as we did in the alternate proof, if you can get a conjugate expression like gng−1
to appear, then you know it’s in N; so try to rearrange things to get conjugates to appear.
Quotient Groups. When N⊆ G is a normal subgroup, every left coset is a right coset, and vice versa.
The set of all cosets of N in G forms a group and is denoted G/N. The group operation is defined by
Na·Nb =Nab, which is well-defined since N is normal. [Do you know how to prove that?]
When G is finite, G/N is also finite and |G/N| = [G :N] =|G|/|N|.
6

8 (March 2013) LetG be a group, letN⊆G be a normal subgroup, and suppose that [G :N] = 42,
where [G :N] denotes the index ofN inG. Prove thatx42∈N for everyx∈G. ( Suggestion: Consider
the quotient group G/N.)
Proof. The quotient groupG/N has order 42 since|G/N| = [G :N] = 42. Given any x∈G, consider
the coset Nx∈ G/N. By Lagrange’s Theorem applied to the group G/N and the element Nx, we
have (Nx)42 =Ne, since Ne is the identity element of G/N. Now (Nx)42 =N(x42) [by definition of
the group operation in G/N], and therefore
Nx 42 =Ne, and hence x42 =x42e−1∈N
by the coset relation. QED
Comment. This is yet another proof where strategy and scratchwork are helpful. Here is what you
know:
• You are told to use G/N.
• You know that|G/N| = [G :N] = 42.
Since you need to prove something aboutx42, this suggests theg|G| =e version of Lagange’s Theorem.
But you have to be able to apply Lagrange to G/N, where the element is not x but rather Nx, the
order is 42, and the identity element is Ne. And you absolutely need to be fluent in using the coset
relation to finish the proof.
6 Group Homomorphisms
Know the definition of a group homomorphism φ :G→H. Know also that if φ is a homomorphism, then
also:
• φ(eG) =eH
• φ(gn) =φ(g)n for all g∈G and n∈ Z.
9 (January 2012) Let G and H be groups. Recall that a homomorphism φ : G→ H is said to
be trivial if φ(g) = eH for all g∈ G. If |G| = 144 and |H| = 25, prove that any homomorphism
φ :G→H is trivial.
Proof. Giveng∈G. By Lagrange’s Theorem for G, we have g144 =eG Since φ is a homomorphism,
we have
(φ(g))144 =φ(g144) =φ(eG) =eH.
Thus, φ(g), which is an element of H, has finite order m = o(φ(g)) that divides 144. On the other
hand, by Lagrange’s Theorem forH, we also havem|25, since|H| = 25. Thus, m is a common divisor
of 144 = 2432 and 25 = 52. Since gcd(144, 25) = gcd(2432, 52) = 1, we must have o
(
φ(g)
)
= 1. Thus,
φ(g) =eH, as desired. QED
7

10 (March 2015) Let G1,G 2 be groups, let H2⊆ G2 be a subgroup, and let φ : G1→ G2 be a
homomorphism. Define
H1 ={x∈G1|φ(x)∈H2}.
It is a fact, which you may assume, that H1 is a subgroup of G1. Prove that for any x,y ∈ G1,
H1x =H1y if and only if H2φ(x) =H2φ(y).
Proof. (=⇒) Given x,y ∈G1 such that H1x =H1y, we have xy−1∈H1 [by the right coset relation
for H1]. So φ(x)φ(y)−1 =φ
(
xy−1)
∈H2, by definition of H1. Thus, [by the right coset relation for
H2], we have H2φ(x) =H2φ(y).
(⇐=) Given x,y ∈ G1 such that H2φ(x) = H2φ(y), we have φ(x)φ(y)−1∈ H2 [by the right coset
relation for H2]. Thus,
φ
(
xy−1)
=φ(x)φ(y)−1∈H2,
and therefore xy−1∈ H1, by definition of H1. Thus, [by the right coset relation for H1], we have
H1x =H1y. QED
Comment. In retrospect, all the steps of the above (=⇒) proof were reversible, so we could also have
done the above proof as a single chain of “⇐⇒” statements.
Alternately, we could have started from both ends and build towards the middle. So here is an
alternate version of the above proof, reflecting a “build towards the middle” strategy.
Alternate Proof. Given x,y∈G1, the right coset relations give:
H1x =H1y ⇐⇒ xy−1∈H1(1)
H2φ(x) =H2φ(y) ⇐⇒ φ(x)φ(y)−1∈H2.(2)
Using the definition of H1, we can write (1) as
(3) H1x =H1y ⇐⇒ xy−1∈H1 ⇐⇒ φ(xy−1)∈H2,
and using the fact that φ is a homomorphism, we can write (2) as
(4) H2φ(x) =H2φ(y) ⇐⇒ φ(x)φ(y)−1∈H2 ⇐⇒ φ(xy−1)∈H2.
The problem follows now from the equivalences (3) and (4). QED
Comment. In general, if a problem involves equalities of cosets, then you are almost certainly going
to need the coset relation. In this example, even if we have no idea what to do, it’s worth starting
from one side, H1x = H1y, and applying the coset relation. This immediately gives (1); similarly,
H2φ(x) = H2φ(y) gives (2). Since we are sort of stuck at that point, only then do we look at the
hypotheses; then the definition of H1 gives (3), and the fact that φ is a homomorphism gives (4).
Suggestion. For more practice, prove that H1 is a subgroup of G1.
Kernels and Images. Given a group homomorphism φ :G→H, know:
• The definition of the kernel Ker(φ)⊆G and the image Im(φ)⊆H.
• Ker(φ) is a normal subgroup of G (be able to prove this).
• Im(φ) is a subgroup of H (be able to prove this), but not necessarily normal. Another notation for
Im(φ) is φ(G).
Recall that φ is one-to-one if and only if Ker( φ) ={eG}. Be able to prove this.
8

Isomorphisms. Given a group homomorphism φ :G→H, know the equivalence between
• φ is one-to-one and onto.
• φ has an inverse function φ−1 :H→G that is also a group homomorphism.
In this situation, we say that φ is a group isomorphism.
The Fundamental Theorem of Group Homomorphisms. Also called the First Homomorphism The-
orem for Groups , or the Basic Homomorphism Theorem , this theorem says that if φ : G→ H is a group
homomorphism, then there is a group isomorphism ~φ :G/Ker(φ)≃ Im(φ) defined by ~φ(gKer(φ)) =φ(g).
11 (February 2013) Let G1 and G2 be groups, let φ : G1 → G2 be a homomorphism, and let
H1⊆G1 be a subgroup. Recall that the set
H2 ={φ(x)|x∈H1}
is a subgroup of G2, called the image of H1 under φ, sometimes notated φ(H1). If G1 is finite, prove
that|H2|
⏐⏐|G1|. That is, prove that the order of H2 divides the order of G1.
Proof. Let K = Ker(φ) denote the kernel of φ. Then:
• φ(G1)∼=G1/K by the fundamental theorem of group homomorphisms, so |φ(G1)| =|G1/K|.
• We also know that|G1/K| =|G1|/|K|.
Together, these two facts yield
(1) |φ(G1)|·| K| =|G1|, and hence|φ(G1)|
⏐⏐⏐|G1|
We also observe the following about H1 and H2:
• Since H1⊆G1, we have H2 =φ(H1)⊆φ(G1).
• By Lagrange’s Theorem, it follows that |H2| divides|φ(G1)|.
Since|H2| divides|φ(G1)| by the last bullet, and |φ(G1)| divides|G1| by (1), it follows that |H2|
divides|G1|. QED
Comment. The strategy for this proof has two parts. The first part is to recognize that the funda-
mental theorem is relevant. Do you see how this follows from the request to prove |H2|
⏐⏐|G1|? (Hint:
H2 lives in G2, while G1 is the domain of φ :G1→G2.) The second part of the strategy is to work
out what this means for φ before bringing H1 and H2 into the picture.
7 Permutations
Sn and Disjoint Cycle Decomposition. Know:
• The definition of the symmetric group Sn and its order|Sn| =n!.
• The two-row notation
( 1 2 ··· n
a1 a2 ··· an
)
for permutations.
• Given distincti1,...,i n, then-cycle (i1i2··· in) mapsi1 toi2,i2 toi3, . . . ,in toi1, and is the identity
elsewhere.
• The order of an n-cycle is its length n.
9

Be sure you know to write σ∈Sn as a product of disjoint cycles σ =σ1··· σk and that
o(σ) = lcm(lengthσ1,..., lengthσk).
In particular, given a product of two or more permutations, know how to write the result as a product of
disjoint cycles.
Transpositions and An. Some basic things to know:
• “Transposition” is just another word for 2-cycle.
• Every element of Sn can be written a product of transpositions.
• A given σ∈ Sn can be written as product of transpositions in many ways, so this product is not a
unique factorization.
• The number of transpositions involved is either always even ( σ is even) or always odd (σ is odd).
• The alternating group An consists of all even permutations in Sn.
• Forn≥ 2, the order of An is (n!)/2.
• An n-cycle can be written as a product of n− 1 transpositions.
• In particular, every cycle of odd length has odd order but is an even permutation .
• Similarly, every cycle of even length has even order but is an odd permutation .
W arning: Most permutations σ∈Sn are not cycles. To compute the order o(σ), or to decide whether σ is
even or odd, write σ in cycle notation and work from there.
12 (January 1997) Suppose that σ is a permutation in the alternating group A10 given by
(
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
4 7 2 6 10 1 5 3
)
where the images of 8 and 9 have been lost. Determine the images of 8 and 9 under σ. What is the
order of σ?
Solution. The two missing outputs are also 8 and 9. If σ(8) = 9, then we must have σ(9) = 8, which
would give
σ = (1 4 6)(2 7 5 10 3)(8 9).
However, since 3-cycles and 5-cycles are even, and 2-cycles are odd, that would make σ an odd
permutation. But we were told σ∈A10, meaning that σ is even.
Contradiction! Therefore σ is not the permutation above, and therefore σ(8)⁄= 9.
So we must have σ(8) = 8, and hence σ(9) = 9. Thus,
σ = (1 4 6)(2 7 5 10 3).
The order of σ is the lcm of the orders of the individual (disjoint) cycles in the above decomposition.
So the order of σ is o(σ) = lcm(3, 5) = 15.
10

13 (January 2010) Let σ be the permutation (4 2 1)(6 1 3 2) in S6.
(a) Writeσ as a product of disjoint cycles in S6.
(b) Compute the order of σ.
(c) Is σ an even or an odd permutation?
Solution. (a) σ = (1 3)(2 6 4).
(b) The order of σ is the lcm of the orders of each individual cycle in its decomposition into disjoint
cycles. Since the order of an n-cycle is n, we obtain o(σ) = lcm(3, 2) = 6.
(c)σ is a product of a 2-cycle and a 3-cycle. The 2-cycle is an odd permutation (since 2 is even), and
the 3-cycle is even (since 3 is odd), so σ is even + odd = odd.
14 (February 2008) Recall that Sn denotes the group of permutations on n symbols.
(a) Find an element of S10 of order 21.
(b) Prove that no element of S10 has order 11.
Solution. (a) The order of σ is the lcm of the orders of each individual disjoint cycle comprising σ
(and the order of an n-cycle is n). Since 21 = lcm(3 , 7), the element σ = (1 2 3)(4 5 6 7 8 9 10) has
order 21.
(b) Suppose S10 has a permutation σ of order 11. Then σ must have a disjoint cycle structure such
that the lcm of the cycle lengths is 11. If the disjoint cycles making up σ have lengths𝓁1,...,𝓁 k, then
11 =o(σ) = lcm(𝓁1,...,𝓁 k).
Thus each 𝓁i divides 11. Since 11 is prime, each 𝓁i = 1 or 11. But an 11-cycle requires 11 distinct
symbols, which can’t happen since we are in S10. So 𝓁i = 1 for all i, which means that σ is the
identity. Yet it has order 11. This contradiction shows that no element of S10 has order 11.
Here is a more abstract problem.
15 (February 2007) Fix an integern≥ 2, and write Sn for the permutation group on n letters. Let
φ :Sn→G
be a homomorphism, where G is a group of odd order. (I.e., G is a finite group with an odd number
of elements.)
(a) Prove that every transposition (i.e., 2-cycle) τ∈Sn is in kerφ. That is, prove that φ(τ) =e.
(b) Prove that φ is the trivial homomorphism; i.e., prove that for all σ∈Sn, we have φ(σ) =e.
Proof. (a) Let τ be a transposition, so o(τ) = 2. Since φ is a homomorphism,
eG =φ(eSn) =φ(τ 2) =φ(τ)2,
so o(φ(τ)) divides 2. But o(φ(τ)) also divides |G| by Lagrange’s Theorem. Since |G| is odd, this
implies that o(φ(τ)) = 1. Thus, φ(τ) =eG.
(b) We know that Sn is generated by transpositions. Given σ∈Sn, write σ as a product of transpo-
sitions σ =τ1τ2··· τm. By part (a), φ(σ) =φ(τ1)φ(τ2)··· φ(τm) = (eG)m =eG as desired. QED
11

8 Rings
Know the basic definitions:
• Ring.
• Commutative ring.
• Ring with unity, or ring with 1. (I.e., R has a multiplicative identity, denoted 1 or 1 R.)
• Field.
IfR is a ring with unity, then any x∈R that has a multiplicative inversex−1 is called a unit. The set of all
units of R is denoted R× and forms a group under the multiplication operation, with identity element 1 R.
Some quick notes about a ring R and an element x∈R:
• We have 0Rx =x0R = 0R.
• Since (R, +) forms a group, for an integer n, we write nx to denote x added to itself n times (or
subtracted, if n is negative; or 0 R if n = 0).
• For a positive integer n, we write xn for x multiplied by itself n times. If R has unity, then x0 = 1R;
if in addition x is a unit (i.e., if x has multiplicative inverse), then x−n = (x−1)n.
W arnings
• Don’t talk about just the “identity” of a ringR. Be clear about whether you mean the additive identity
(which you should just call 0 or 0 R) or the multiplicative identity (which you should just call 1 or 1 R,
assuming R is a ring with unity).
• Never denote either identity of a ring by e. If you mean zero, say 0. If you mean one, say 1. Use e
for the identity of a group, and use 0 and 1 for rings.
• Don’t talk about just the “inverse” ofx∈R when working with rings. Make sure you are clear whether
you mean the additive inverse−x (also known as the negative) or the multiplicative inversex−1 (if x
is a unit, which it might not be).
• Don’t confuse “unity” with “unit”. The word “unity” refers to the multiplicative identity 1 (if R even
has a multiplicative identity), but “unit” refers to a element of R that has a multiplicative inverse.
Polynomial Rings. If R is a commutative ring, the polynomial ring R[x] consists of all polynomials in x
with coefficients in R. See 20 for a problem that involves the polynomial ring Z[x]. The important case of
k[x], when k is a field, is treated in more detail in Section 13 of this Study Guide.
9 Ideals
Ideals. A subset I⊆R is an ideal if it satisfies the following properties:
1. I⁄= ∅.
2. For all x,y∈I, we have x−y∈I
3. For all x∈I and r∈R, we have rx∈I and xr∈I.
Properties 1 and 2 say that I is a subgroup of R under addition, and property 3 is sometimes informally
called the “sticky” property.
12

Note the following:
• Sometimes an ideal is called a “two-sided ideal”. (There are other objects, not on the comps syllabus,
called left ideals and right ideals.) In practice, though, one almost always says just “ideal.”
• When the ring is commutative, we haverx =xr, so the sticky property simplifies to: For all x∈I and
r∈R, we have rx∈I.
• An ideal I always contains the zero element of the ring. (Can you prove this?)
• LetR be a ring with unity 1, and let I⊆R be an ideal. Then I contains 1 if and only if I =R. (Can
you prove this?) See 17 and 24 for problems that uses this fact.
• Some books define an ideal I to be a subring of R with the sticky property. This is a valid but
redundant definition; don’t use it on the exam . It requires checking xy∈I for allx,y∈I and then
checking the same thing for all x∈I and y∈R.
16 (January 2016) Define what it means for a subset I⊆R to be an ideal of R.
Note: If you use other technical terms like “closed,” “subring,” “subgroup,” etc., you must fully
define those terms as well.
Answer: I⊆R is an ideal if:
1. I⁄= ∅.
2. For all x,y∈I, we have x−y∈I
3. For all x∈I and r∈R, we have rx∈I and xr∈I. DONE!
Comment. We often see answers to this question that look like the following:
Answer: I⊆R is an ideal if:
1. I is a subgroup of R under +.
2. For all x∈I and r∈R, we have rx∈I and xr∈I.
But you cannot say “DONE!” at this point. Although it is technically a correct definition, it does
not follow the instructions, since it uses the technical term “subgroup”. But if you add
3. I is a subgroup of R under + if it forms a group under + itself.
then you are not done, since “group” is also a technical term that you have to define. This is why
you should strike this out. But if you replace it with
3. I is a subgroup of R under + if it is nonempty and closed under subtraction.
then you are still not done since “closed” is also a technical term! So you would have to add
4. I is closed under− if for all x,y∈I, we have x−y∈I. FINALLY DONE!
Conclusion. Hopefully the moral is clear here. You should definitely think of the concepts like
“subgroup under +” and “closed under subtraction” in your head, but you’re going to have to write
out their meanings anyhow. So by all means think “closed,” but write “∀x,y∈I, we havex−y∈I.”
17 (February 1982) Prove that if an ideal I of the ring Z contains two relatively prime integers,
then I = Z.
Proof. By hypothesis, there exist a,b∈I with gcd(a,b ) = 1. Thus, there are integers m,n∈ Z such
thatma +nb = 1. But ma,nb∈I by the sticky property, so 1 = ma +nb∈I sinceI is closed under
+. For any x∈ Z, then, we have x =x· 1∈I by the sticky property. So I = Z QED
13

18 (January 2012) Let R =
{[a b
0 c
]⏐⏐⏐a,b,c ∈ R
}
. You may assume that R is a ring under the
operations of matrix addition and matrix multiplication. Prove that the set
I =
{[
a b
0 0
]⏐⏐⏐a,b∈ R
}
is an ideal of R.
Proof. (I non-empty)
[
0 0
0 0
]
∈I, so I⁄= ∅.
(I closed under−) Given r =
[a b
0 0
]
and s =
[c d
0 0
]
, r−s =
[a−c b −d
0 0
]
∈I.
(Sticky) Given r =
[a b
0 c
]
∈ R and s =
[x y
0 0
]
, rs =
[ax ay
0 0
]
∈ I and sr =
[ax bx +cy
0 0
]
∈ I.
QED
Here is problem that uses a definition you are not expected to have seen before.
19 (January 2010) Let R be a commutative ring and S⊆R a subset of R. Define the annihilator
of S in R to be
Ann(S) ={r∈R|rs = 0 for every s∈S}.
Prove that Ann(S) is an ideal of R.
Proof. (Nonempty) We have 0∈ Ann(S), since 0s = 0∀s∈S. So Ann(S)⁄= ∅.
(Closed under−) Given a,b ∈ Ann(S) and s∈ S, we have (a−b)s = as−bs = 0− 0 = 0, so that
a−b∈ Ann(S).
(Sticky) Given r∈ R and x∈ Ann(S), and given any s∈ S, we have ( rx)s = r(xs) = r(0) = 0.
Thus,rx∈ Ann(S). Since R is commutative, xr =rx∈ Ann(S). QED
Comment. This problem assumes no prior knowledge of annihilators. In part, this problem tests
whether you can read a mathematical definition that you have never seen before and use it in a proof.
Suggestion. For practice, prove that if S,T are subsets of R, then Ann(S)∩ Ann(T ) = Ann(S∪T ).
Here is a problem about ideals in a polynomial ring.
20 (March 2015) LetR = Z[x] be the ring of polynomials (in one variable) with integer coefficients.
Note that the constant polynomial 6 and the degree one polynomial x + 1 are both elements of R.
Define
I ={6f + (x + 1)g|f,g ∈R}.
Prove that I is an ideal of R.
Proof. (Nonempty) Let f =g = 0∈R. Then 6f + (x + 1)g∈I, so I⁄= ∅.
(Closed under−) Givena,b∈I, writea = 6f1+(x+1)g1 andb = 6f2+(x+1)g2 withf1,f 2,g 1,g 2∈R.
Then
a−b = 6f1 + (x + 1)g1−
(
6f2 + (x + 1)g2
)
= 6(f1−f2) + (x + 1)(g1−g2)∈I.
(Sticky) Given a∈I and h∈R, write a = 6f + (x + 1)g with f,g ∈R. Then
ah =ha =h
(
6f + (x + 1)g
)
= 6(hf) + (x + 1)(hg)∈I QED
14

10 Quotient Rings
Recall that an ideal I⊆R is a subgroup under addition, so the cosets of I are usually written
I +r ={s +r|s∈I},
although sometimes you see r +I since addition is commutative. The definition of ideal guarantees that the
set of cosets
R/I ={I +r|r∈R}
becomes a ring, called the quotient ring, under the following operations:
(I +a) + (I +b) =I + (a +b) and ( I +a)(I +b) =I +ab.
21 (January 2009) Let I⊆ R be an ideal of R, and suppose that xy−yx∈ I for every x,y ∈ R.
Prove that the quotient ring R/I is commutative.
Proof. GivenI +a,I +b∈R/I, our assumption on I implies that ab−ba∈I. By the coset relation,
we obtain I +ab =I +ba. Then
(I +a)(I +b) =I +ab =I +ba = (I +b)(I +a),
so R/I is commutative, as desired QED
Comment. Remember that when dealing with quotient rings, cosets are always written additively,
and so the coset relation is the additive version I +a =I +b⇐⇒a−b∈I.
DO NOT WRITE cosets as Ia when I is an ideal of a ring.
Suggestion. Prove the converse: If R/I is commutative, then xy−yx∈I for every x,y∈R.
22 (January 2014) A nonzero element a of a ring is said to be nilpotent if there is a positive integer
n≥ 1 such that an = 0. (The element 0 itself is not said to be nilpotent.)
Let R be a commutative ring, and let I⊆ R be an ideal. Prove that the following two statements
are equivalent.
(a) The quotient ring R/I contains no nilpotents.
(b) For every element b∈R such that bm∈I for some positive integer m≥ 1, we have b∈I.
Proof. (=⇒) Given b∈R and m≥ 1 with bm∈I, we have
(I +b)m =I +bm =I + 0.
SinceI + 0 is the zero element of R/I, it follows that I +b is either nilpotent or zero in R/I. But by
assumption (a), I +b is not nilpotent. Therefore, I +b =I + 0, which means b =b− 0∈I.
(⇐=) SupposeI +b∈R/I is a nilpotent. Then there is some integerm≥ 1 such that (I +b)m =I +0.
That is,
I +bm = (I +b)m =I + 0,
and hence bm =bm− 0∈I. By property (b), we have b∈I. Thus, I +b =I + 0, contradicting the
assumption that I +b is nilpotent, and proving that R/I has no nilpotents. QED
Comment. As in 19 , this problem asks you to deal with a definition (nilpotent) you are not expected
to have seen before. Also, as in 21 , we need to use the additive version I +a =I +b⇐⇒a−b∈I
of the coset relation.
Problems 25 and 27 also use the coset relation in a quotient ring.
15

11 Ring Homomorphisms
Know:
• The definition of ring homomorphism φ :R→S.
• If φ :R→S is a ring homomorphism, then φ(0R) = 0S. [But even if both rings have 1, we might not
haveφ(1R) = 1S!]
• If φ :R→S is a ring homomorphism, then for all x∈R and all n∈ Z, we have φ(nx) =nφ(x).
• If φ :R→S is a ring homomorphism, then for all x∈R and all n∈ N, we have φ(xn) =φ(x)n.
• The definition of kernel Ker(φ)⊆R and image Im(φ) =φ(R)⊆S.
• The conditions for φ to be a ring isomorphism.
Be able to show that the kernel of a ring homomorphismφ :R→S is an ideal ofR. Here is a related problem.
23 (February 2008) Let φ :R→S be a ring homomorphism. Let I⊆R be an ideal of R, and set
J ={x∈I|φ(x) = 0S},
where 0S denotes the zero element of S. Prove that J is an ideal of R.
Proof. (Nonempty) We have 0 R∈I and φ(0R) = 0S, so 0 R∈J. Thus, J⁄= ∅.
(Closure under−) Given x,y∈J, we have x,y∈I and hence x−y∈I. Moreover,
φ(x−y) =φ(x)−φ(y) = 0S− 0S = 0S, so x−y∈J.
(Sticky) Given x∈J and r∈R, we have x∈I, and hence rx,xr ∈I. Moreover,
φ(rx) =φ(r)φ(x) =φ(r)0S = 0S, and
φ(xr) =φ(x)φ(r) = 0Sφ(r) = 0S,
so rx,xr ∈J.
The Fundamental Theorem of Ring Homomorphisms, Also called the First Homomorphism Theorem
for Rings or the Basic Homomorphism Theorem for Rings , this theorem says that if φ : R→ S is a ring
homomorphism, then there is a ring isomorphism ~φ :R/Ker(φ)≃ Im(φ) defined by ~φ(Ker(φ) +r) =φ(r).
12 Quotient Rings and Fields
Criteria for R to be a Field. Know that a commutive ring with unit is a field if and only if its only
ideals are{0} and the whole ring. Be prepared to prove this. For example, here is a problem asking to prove
one direction of this statement:
24 (March 2005) Let F be a field and let J⊆ F be an ideal of F . Prove that either J ={0} or
J =F .
Proof. If J ={0}, then we are done. If J⁄={0}, then there is a∈J with a⁄= 0. Since F is a field, a
has a multipllicative inverse a−1. Then 1 = a−1a∈J since J is an ideal. But an ideal that contains
1 is the whole ring, so J =F . QED
16

Maximal Ideals. Know the definition of a maximal ideal M⊆R.
Criteria for R/M to be a Field. Let R be a commutative ring with unit. Know that ideal M⊆ R is
maximal if and only if R/M is a field. Here is a problem that asks you to prove part of this result.
25 (February 2013) Suppose that R is commutative and has a multiplicative identity 1. Let
I⊆J⊆R be ideals, and suppose that the quotient ring R/I is a field.
If I ⊊J, prove that 1∈J.
[In fact, it is a Theorem from Math 350 that J = R in this case, but you are only being asked to
prove that 1∈J. In particular, however, you may not quote the J =R theorem.]
Proof. BecauseI ⊊J, there existsr∈J rI. By the coset relation, r /∈I impliesI +r⁄=I +0 = 0 R/I.
Thus,I +r is nonzero. By the definition of field, every nonzero element of R/I has a multiplicative
inverse. Hence, there exists I +s∈R/I such that
(I +r)(I +s) =I + 1.
So I +rs =I + 1, and therefore 1−rs∈I⊆J by the coset relation.
Note that rs∈J, because J is an ideal of R and r∈J. Thus, since J is closed under addition, we
have 1 = (1−rs) +rs∈J. QED
Comment. This is a problem where getting started can be a challenge. Your goal is to show that
1∈ J, which probably means that you want to find a way to express 1 as some combination of
elements ofJ. Since it’s not immediately obvious how to do that, we look to the hypotheses for clues.
We see:
• I ⊊J, which suggests picking r∈J with r /∈I.
• R/I is a field, which suggests that multiplicative inverses of nonzero elements may be relevant.
If you are comfortable with cosets, you will realize that r /∈I means that I +r is a nonzero element
ofR/I. The above proof uses this to find s which eventually satisfies 1−rs∈J. Once you have that,
it’s easier to see how we might write 1 as a combination of elements of J.
13 Polynomial Rings k [x ], for a Field k
A polynomial f = f(x)∈ k[x] is a symbolic object ( x is just a symbol) in the ring k[x]. However, if we
replace x with an element a∈ k (sometimes called “plugging in”), then we get an element f(a)∈ k. This
operation is compatible with addition and multiplication. Here is a problem that makes use of this.
26 (January 2014) For the polynomial ring R = R[x], define
I ={f∈R|f(2) =f(5) = 0}.
Prove that I is an ideal of R.
Proof. (Nonempty) Note that 0∈ R gives the constant polynomial 0 ∈R. Since 0(2) = 0(5) = 0, we
have 0∈I.
(Closed under−) Given f,g ∈I, we have f(2) =f(5) =g(2) =g(5) = 0. So
(f−g)(2) =f(2)−g(2) = 0− 0 = 0, and (f−g)(5) =f(5)−g(5) = 0− 0 = 0, and hence f−g∈I.
(Sticky) Given f∈I and g∈R, we have f(2) =f(5) = 0. So
(gf )(2) =g(2)f(2) =g(2)· 0 = 0, and (gf )(5) =g(5)f(5) =g(5)· 0 = 0. Thus, gf∈I.
Since R is commutative, we also have fg =gf∈I. QED
17

The Division Algorithm. Know the statement of the division algorithm in k[x]. Here is a problem that
uses the division algorithm.
27 (March 2009) Let F be a field, let R = F[x] be the ring of polynomials in one variable with
coefficients in F, and let f(x)∈R be a polynomial of degree 2009. Let
I ={g(x)f(x)|g∈R}
be the set of all polynomials which are multiples of f(x). It is a fact, which you may assume, that I
is an ideal of R.
(a) For any g,h∈R, prove that I +g =I +h if and only if (g−h) is divisible by f.
(b) Prove that for any g∈ R, there is a unique polynomial h∈ R with deg h < 2009 such that
I +g =I +h.
Proof. (a) Given g,h∈R, we have I +g =I +h if and only if g−h∈I, by the coset relation. But
the definition of I implies that g−h∈I if and only if g−h is a multiple of f.
(b) Given g∈R:
(Existence) The division algorithm yields q,h∈ F[x] such that
g =qf +h with deg h< degf = 2009.
Thusg−h =qf∈I, so by part (a), I +g =I +h, proving existence.
(Uniqueness) Suppose we are givenh,h′∈R withI+g =I+h′ =I+h′, and with degh, degh′ < 2009.
Then I +h =I +h′, so by part (a), h−h′ is a multiple of f. That is,
h−h′ =kf for some k∈R.
If k⁄= 0, then
deg(h−h′) = deg(kf ) = degk + degf≥ degf = 2009.
However, the fact that deg h, degh′ < 2009 implies that deg(h−h′)< 2009 also, a contradiction.
Thus, we must have k = 0, and hence h−h′ = 0. That is, h =h′, proving uniqueness. QED
Every Ideal in k[x] is Principal. Recall that a principal ideal in a commutative ring consists of all
multiples of a fixed element. Problem 27 features principal ideals in k[x]. This is no accident, since
every ideal in k[x] is of the form ⟨f⟩ ={gf|g∈k[x]}.
Furthermore,f is unique up to multiplication by a nonzero constant ofk. Since the units of k[x] are precisely
the nonzero constants, we can equivalently say that f is unique up to multiplication by a unit.
Irreducible Polynomials and Maximal Ideals in k[x]. Know the following:
• The definition of reducible and irreducible polynomial in k[x].
• The irreducibility criterion for polynomials f∈k[x] of degree 2 or 3: such a polynomial is irreducible
if and only if it has no roots in the field k. (See problem 28 below for a proof of this fact for cubic
polynomials; can you do the proof for quadratic polynomials?)
• An ideal I⊆k[x] is maximal if and only if I =⟨f⟩, where f∈k[x] irreducible. That is:
f is irreducible ⇐⇒ ⟨f⟩⊆ k[x] is maximal ⇐⇒ k[x]/⟨f⟩ is a field.
Here some problems about these concepts.
18

28 (January 1999) Let k be a field. Show that a cubic polynomial f(x)∈k[x] is irreducible in k[x]
if and only if f(x) has no roots in k.
Proof. We’ll prove f reducible iff f has a root in k.
(=⇒): Since f is reducible, there exist g,h∈k[x] with f =gh and with degg, degh< 3. Since deg g
and degh are nonnegative integers summing to deg f = 3, one of g and h must have degree 1 and
the other must have degree 2. Without loss, deg g = 1. That is, g(x) =ax +b for some a,b∈k with
a⁄= 0. Then −b/a∈k, and
f
(
− b
a
)
=g
(
− b
a
)
h
(
− b
a
)
=
[
a
(
− b
a
)
+b
]
h
(
− b
a
)
= (−b +b)h
(
− b
a
)
= 0·
(
− b
a
)
= 0,
and hence−b/a is a root of of f in k.
(⇐=): Let c∈k be a root of f, and let g(x) = x−c∈k[x]. By the division algorithm for f and g,
there exist polynomials q,r ∈k[x] with f =qg +r and with either r = 0 or degr< degg = 1.
If r⁄= 0 but degr< 1, then degr = 0, which means that r =b is a nonzero constant. Hence,
0 =f(c) =q(c)g(c) +r(c) =q(c)· (c−c) +b = 0 +b =b⁄= 0,
a contradiction. Thus, we must in fact have r = 0, and hence f =qg. Since deg f = 3 and degg = 1,
we must have deg q = 3− 1 = 2, and hence we have factored f as a product of two lower-degree
polynomials g and q, proving that f is reducible. QED
Comment. This problem is asking you to prove a fact that you are expected to know from Math 350.
Obviously, you cannot simply quote the desired fact from the course.
Suggestion. Try proving the same fact for the case that f is a quadratic polynomial. Also, prove that
the analogous fact is not true for for polynomials of degree 4 or higher.
Here is a problem where you need to know a enough about why the quotient ringk[x]/⟨f⟩ is a field when
f is irreducible to be able to find the inverse of a particular element in the quotient ring.
29 Letf(x) =x2 + 1∈ F3[x], where F3 ={0, 1, 2} is the field of three elements. Let I =⟨f⟩ be the
principal ideal in F3[x] generated by f.
(a) Prove that f is irreducible in F3[x].
(b) Prove that the quotient ring F3[x]/I is a field.
(c) Find the multiplicative inverse of I +x in the quotient ring F3[x]/I.
Proof. (a) Since deg f = 2, f is reducible if and only if it has no roots in F3. Checking shows:
f(0) = 1⁄= 0, f (1) = 2⁄= 0, f (2) = 2⁄= 0.
Since f(a)⁄= 0 for all a∈ F3, it follows that f is irreducible.
(b) Since f is irreducible, the ideal I =⟨f⟩ is maximal in F3[x], by a Math 350 theorem. So by
another Math 350 theorem, the quotient F3[x]/I is a field.
(c) We need a polynomial g∈ F3[x] such that (I +x)(I +g) =I + 1. However,
(I +x)(I +g) =I + 1 ⇐⇒ I +xg =I + 1 ⇐⇒ xg− 1∈I ⇐⇒ xg + 2∈I,
where the last equivalence uses −1 = 2 in F3. Choosing g(x) = 2x gives
xg + 2 =x(2x) + 2 = 2(x2 + 1)∈I.
Thus, by the above equivalences, and by commutativity, we have
(I + 2x)(I +x) = (I +x)(I + 2x) =I + 1 = 1F3[x]/I,
and hence I + 2x is the multiplicative inverse of I +x in F3[x]/I. QED
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30 (January 2009)
(a) Prove that f(X) =X 4 +X 2 + 1 is reducible in the polynomial ring F2[X], where F2 ={0, 1} is
the field of two elements.
(b) Prove that g(X) = X 3 + 2X 2 + 2X + 3 is irreducible in the polynomial ring F5[X], where
F5 ={0, 1, 2, 3, 4} is the field of five elements.
Proof. (a) To be reducible,f must either have a degree one factor (and hence have a root in F2), orf
must be a product of two irreducible factors of degree two. But f(0) =f(1) = 1 so f has no roots in
F2. Hence f is the product of two irreducible quadratic factors. The possible quadratic polynomials
are X 2, X 2 + 1, X 2 +X and X 2 +X + 1. The first and third are clearly reducible, and over F2,
we have X 2 + 1 = (X + 1)2, so X 2 +X + 1 is the only quadratic irreducible polynomial. Then an
explicit calculation (made easier by using (a +b)2 =a2 +b2 since we are working over F2) shows that
f(X) = (X 2 +X + 1)(X 2 +X + 1). QED
(b) Since degg = 3, we know that g is reducible if and only if it has no roots. Checking shows:
g(0) = 03 + 2(02) + 2(0) + 3 = 0 + 0 + 0 + 3 = 3⁄= 0
g(1) = 13 + 2(12) + 2(1) + 3 = 1 + 2 + 2 + 3 = 3⁄= 0
g(2) = 23 + 2(22) + 2(2) + 3 = 3 + 3 + 4 + 3 = 3⁄= 0
g(3) = 33 + 2(32) + 2(3) + 3 = 2 + 3 + 1 + 3 = 4⁄= 0
g(4) = 43 + 2(42) + 2(4) + 3 = 4 + 2 + 3 + 3 = 2⁄= 0
Since g(a)⁄= 0 for all a∈ F5, it follows that g is irreducible. QED
Comment. This is a problem where finiteness helps. In part (a), since we are working over a finite
field, there are only finitely many polynomials of given degree. Our proof above listed all quadratic
polynomials in F2[X], and we could determine which were irreducible by plugging in the (finitely
many) elements of F2. We did the same plugging in strategy for part (b).
Here is a problem about how irreducible polynomials correspond to maximal ideals ink[x]. More precisely,
it’s about how non-irreducible polynomials correspond to non-maximal ideals.
31 (March 2008) Let g(x) = x2 + 3∈ F7[x], where F7 ={0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6} is the field of seven
elements.
(a) Prove that g is reducible in F7[x].
(b) Let⟨g⟩⊆ F7[x] denote the principal ideal {gh| h∈ F7[x]}. Find an ideal I⊆ F7[x] such that
⟨g⟩ ⊊I ⊊ F 7[x].
Proof. (a) Plugging each element of F7 into g soon shows g(2) = 0, so that ( x− 2) is a factor of g.
Long division reveals that g(x) = (x− 2)(x + 2), confirming that g is reducible.
(b) Let I =⟨x− 2⟩⊆ F7[x]. Any element of ⟨g⟩ is of the form hg for some h∈ F7[x], and hence
hg =
(
(x + 2)h
)
· (x− 2)∈I.
Thus, we have⟨g⟩⊆ I⊆ F7[x]. However, x− 2⁄∈⟨ g⟩, because any multiple hg of g must either be
0 or have degree deg(hg)≥ degg = 2, whereas deg(x− 2) = 1. Finally, 1 ⁄∈I, because any multiple
h· (x− 2) of (x− 2) must either be 0 or have degree ≥ deg(x− 2) = 1, whereas deg(1) = 0.
Hence,⟨g⟩ ⊊I ⊊ F 7[x]. QED
Comment. Since the ring is F7[x], you know in advance that I has to be principal. You should check
that I =⟨x + 2⟩ also works.
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14 Preparing for the Algebra Exam
Now that you have finished reading the content part of the Study Guide, what should you do next to prepare
for the algebra exam? The key thing to keep in mind is that
You need an active knowledge of algebra.
Here are a some suggestions to help you achieve this.
Read the Study Guide Actively. There are many places where the Study Guide asks you to provide a
proof or complete a proof. Do so. This is really important.
Read Your Notes and Your Algebra Book. In many places in the Study Guide, we say “Know the
basic facts about . . . ,” without stating the facts precisely. This is deliberate, since we want you to refer to
your notes and your algebra book when studying for the exam.
Not everything covered in your algebra course is part of the algebra exam. For example, the class equation
from group theory is a lovely topic that will not be on the exam. This Study Guide and the Syllabus for
Algebra (Math 350 ) list the topics that you need to know.
Know Basic Results and Definitions. Keep in mind that knowing the precise statements of definitions
and basic theorems is essential. The adjective “precise” is important here. For example, if a problem asks
you to state the Lagrange’s theorem for subgroups, then just writing
|H|
⏐⏐|G|
will not get full credit. You need to state the whole theorem: If H is a subgroup of a finite group G, then
|H|
⏐⏐|G|.
Also, when asked for a definition, you are sometimes instructed to define terms used in your definition. In
such a situation, just writing “closed under inverses” would not be sufficient; you would need to explain
what “closed” means. (And if you were working in a ring, you’d need to specify whether you mean additive
inverses or multiplicative inverses.)
Study Old Exams and Solutions. The Department website has a collection of old exams in algebra,
many with solutions. It is very important to do practice problems. This is one of the key ways to acquire
an active knowledge of algebra. There are two dangers to be aware of when using old exams and solutions:
• Thinking that the exams tell you what to study. Every topic on the Syllabus and in this Study Guide
is fair game for an exam question.
• Reading the solutions. This is passive. To get an active knowledge of the material, do problems from
the old exams yourself, and then check the solutions. The more you can do this, the better.
Work Together, Ask Questions, and Get Help. Studying with your fellow math majors can help. You
can learn a lot from each other. Faculty are delighted to help. Don’t hesitate to ask us questions and show
us your solutions so we can give you feedback. The QCenter has excellent people who have helped many
students in the past prepare for the Comprehensive Exam.
Start Now. Properly preparing for the algebra exam will take longer than you think. Start now.
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