Math 100B: Algebra II

Winter 2021

Lectures: Will be pre-recorded and posted in YouTube.
The scheduled lecture time will be used as a Discussion and Problem session.

Discussion and Problem sessions:
M, W, F   12:00-12:50
Meeting ID:   Password:
955 9312 2898   The cardinality of the alternating group \(A_8\)
Office hours:
M, W, F               12:50-13:15
TA's information:
Name   E-mail adddress   Meeting ID
Alexander Mathers   amathers ucsd edu   939 6163 4840
TA's office hours: Your scheduled discussion session or W 15-16 or Th 19-20

General information     Book     Calendar     Lecture     Homework     Quizzes     Grade     Regrade     Assignment
General information

  • Title: Abstract Algebra II: Introduction to Ring and Field Theory.
  • Credit Hours: 4.
  • Prerequisite: Math 100a. Math 100 is a difficult and time consuming course, so enroll only if your course load allows it.
  • Catalog Description: Second course in a rigorous three-quarter introduction to the methods and basic structures of higher algebra. In this course, we study basics of ring and field theory: ring of polynomials, ideals and quotients, unique factorization, and linear algebra over rings.
Book

  • Michael Artin, Algebra.
  • There are lots of interesting books on ring theory. I like the following books:
    • J. J. Rotman, A first course in abstract algebra.
    • D. S. Dummit, R. M. Foote, Abstract algebra. More advanced.
    • T. W. Hungerford, Algebra. More advanced.
Calendar

This is only a tentative schedule and it might change during the quarter.

Lectures

Here is the lecture notes for this course. You are expected to study the lecture notes and watch the posted lectures prior to the Discussion and Problem sessions.

Here is the topics for the Discussion and Problem Sessions for this course. The Zoom videos are shared via Canvas.

Lectures and Topics by date

  • M 1/4 Rings, ring of polynomials, basic properties of ring operations, subrings, ring homomorphisms. Here is the link to the first lecture. Because this is the first lecture, I have made it shorter than usual.
  • W 1/6: Ring isomorphism, subring criterion, image and kernel of ring homomorphisms, ring homomorphisms from \(\mathbb{Z}\) to a unital ring, the evaluation or substitution map. Here is the link to the second lecture.
  • F 1/8: The evaluation or the substitution homomorphisms, units and fields, zero-divisors and integral domains, characteristic of a unital ring. Here is the link to the third lecture.
  • M 1/11: Field of fractions. Here is the link to the forth lecture.
  • W 1/13: Field of fractions, ideals, quotient rings, and the first isomorphism. Here is the link to the fifth lecture.
  • F 1/15: Evaluation map and the first isomorphism, degree of polynomials, \(D\) is an integral domain implies \(D[x]\) is an integral domain, and the most general form of long division for polynomials. Here is the link to the sixth lecture.
  • W 1/20: The factor theorem, the generalized factor theorem, \(x^p-x=x(x-1)\cdots (x-(p-1))\) in \(\mathbb{Z}_p[x]\), Wilson's theorem, \(F[x]\) is a PID if \(F\) is a field, Euclidean domain, Euclidean domain implies PID. Here is the link to the seventh lecture.
  • F 1/22: The ring of Gaussian integers is a ED and a PID, algebraic numbers, minimal polynomials, characterization of minimal polynomials, elements of quotient rings of ring of polynomials. Here is the link to the eighth lecture.
  • M 1/25: Review of materials.
  • W 1/27: Assuming that \(\alpha \) is algebraic over a field \(F\), every element of \(F[\alpha]\) can be uniquely written as an \(F\)-linear combination of \(1,\alpha,\ldots, \alpha^{n-1}\) where \(n\) is the degree of the minimal polynomial of \(\alpha\) over \(F\). Irreducible elements of integral domains. In an integral domain, \(\langle a\rangle=\langle b\rangle\) if and only if \(a=bu\) for some unit \(u\). In a unital commutative ring \(\langle a\rangle\) is not proper if and only if \(a\) is a unit. A unital commutative ring is a field if and only if it has exactly two ideals. \(a\in D\) is irreducible if and only if \(\langle a\rangle\) is maximal among proper pricipal ideals of \(D\). Maximal ideals. Ideals of \(A/I\) are of the form \(J/I\) where \(J\) is an ideal of \(A\) which contains \(I\). In a unital commutative ring \(A\) an ideal \(I\) is maximal if and only if \(A/I\) is a field. In a PID \(D\) which is not a field, \(a\) is irreducible if and only if \(D/\langle a\rangle\) is a field. If \(E\) is a field extension of \(F\) and \(\alpha\in E\) is algebraic over \(F\), \(F[\alpha]\) is a field. Here is the link to the ninth lecture.
  • F 1/29: Zeros and irreducibility of polynomials. Degree 2 and 3 irreducibility criterion. A field of order 27. The rational root criterion. A monic integer polynomial does not have a rational zero if it does not have a zero in \(\mathbb{Z}_n\). How this can help us in conjunction with the Fermat's little theorem. Here is the link to the tenth lecture.
  • M 2/1: Content of non-zero polynomials in \(\mathbb{Q}[x]\). Gauss's lemma. A non-constant primitive polynomial is irreducibile in \(\mathbb{Q}[x]\) if and only if it is irreducible in \(\mathbb{Z}[x]\). Mod-\(p\) irreducibility criterion. Here is the link to the eleventh lecture.
  • W 2/3: How to use the mod-\(p\) irreducibility criterion. Eisenstein's irreducibility criterion. Some applications of Eisenstein's irreducibility criterion. What a Unique Factorization Domain is. Writing elements as a product of irreducible elements and the ascending chain condition. A ring is Noetherian if and only if all of its ideals are finitely generated. Every PID is Noetherian, and in a PID every non-zero non-unit element can be written as a product of irreducible elements. Here is the link to the twelfth lecture.
  • F 2/5: Review of materials
  • M 2/8: For an integral domain \(D\) where every non-zero non-unit can be written as a product of irreducible elements, \(D\) is a UFD if and only if every irreducible is prime. In every integral domain, primes are irreducible. PID implies UFD, and so \(\mathbb{Z}\), \(F[x]\) where \(F\) is a field, \(\mathbb{Z}[i]\), and \(\mathbb{Z}[\omega]\) where \(\omega=\frac{-1+\sqrt{-3}}{2}\) are UFDs. An ideal \(I\) of a unital commutative ring \(A\) is prime if and only if \(A/I\) is an integral domain. Here is the link to the thirteenth lecture.
  • W 2/10: The main result that we proved was \(\mathbb{Z}[x]\) is a UFD. Along the way we showed: For \(c\in \mathbb{Z}\) we have \(c\) is irreducible in \(\mathbb{Z}\) if and only if \(c\) is irreducible in \(\mathbb{Z}[x]\), and \(c\) is prime in \(\mathbb{Z}\) if and only if \(c\) is prime in \(\mathbb{Z}[x]\). Then we consider the function \({\rm prim}:\mathbb{Q}[x]\setminus\{0\} \rightarrow \mathbb{Z}[x], {\rm prim}(f)=\bar{f}\) where \(\bar{f}\) is the primitive form of \(f\). We proved that
    • \(f\) is a unit in \(\mathbb{Q}[x]\) if and only if \(\bar{f}\) is a unit in \(\mathbb{Z}[x]\).
    • \(f|g\) in \(\mathbb{Q}[x]\) if and only if \(\bar{f}|\bar{g}\) in \(\mathbb{Z}[x]\).
    • \(f\) is irreducible in \(\mathbb{Q}[x]\) if and only if \(\bar{f}\) is irreducible in \(\mathbb{Z}[x]\).
    • \(f\) is prime in \(\mathbb{Q}[x]\) if and only if \(\bar{f}\) prime in \(\mathbb{Z}[x]\).
    Here is the link to the fourteenth lecture.
  • F 2/12: For a UFD \(D\) and an irreducible \(p\) we defined the \(p\)-valuation. We defined the greatest common divisor of a finite set of elements of a UFD. We defined the content of a non-zero polynomial in \(Q(D)[x]\) where \(Q(D)\) is the field of fractions of a UFD. Guass's lemma for UFDs was proved. One can use these tools to prove that \(D[x]\) is a UFD if \(D\) is a UFD. Then inductively one can deduce that \(D[x_1,\ldots,x_n]\) is a UFD if \(D\) is a UFD. In particular, \(\mathbb{Z}[x_1,\ldots,x_n]\) and \(F[x_1,\ldots,x_n]\), where \(F\) is a field, are UFDs. Here is the link to the fifteenth lecture.
  • F 2/19: We prove the existence of splitting fields, and work towards the uniqueness of splitting fields. Here is the link to the sixteenth lecture.
  • M 2/21: We prove the uniqueness of splitting fields, and mentione a couple of examples. Here is the link to the seventeenth lecture.
  • W 2/23: We proved the existence and the uniqueness, up to an isomorphism, of finite fields of order \(p^n\). We proved that a finite field of order \(p^n\) is a splitting field of \(x^{p^n}-x\) over \(\mathbb{Z}_p\). \(\mathbb{F}_{p^n}\) denotes a finite field of order \(p^n\). We proved that \(x^{q}-x=\prod_{\alpha\in \mathbb{F}_q} (x-\alpha)\). The derivative of a polynomial is defined. We proved that if \(F\) is a field and \(f\in F[x]\), then \(f\) does not have multiple zeros in its splitting field exactly when \(\gcd(f,f')=1\) in \(F[x]\). Here is the link to the eighteenth lecture.
  • F 2/25: Vector spaces over an arbitrary field were discussed. Proved that the cardinality of a spanning set is at least the cardinaltiy of an independent set. Proved that every spanning set contains a basis as a subset. Proved that every two bases have the same cardinality. Defined the quotient of a vector space by one of its subspaces. Proved that \(\dim W +\dim (V/W)=\dim V \). Proved the first isomorphism theorem of vector spaces. Proved the kernel-image theorem. Here is the link to the nineteenth lecture.
  • M 3/1: \(\dim_F F[x]/\langle f\rangle=\deg f\). Degree of a field extension. \([F[\alpha]:F]=\deg m_{\alpha,F}\) if \(\alpha\) is algebraic over \(F\). If \(\mathbb{F}_{p^m}\) can be embedded into \(\mathbb{F}_{p^n}\), then \(m|n\). The Tower Rule: \([L:F]=[L:E][E:F]\). Finite extensions are algebraic. The algebraic closure of a field in a given field extension. Construction problems in Euclidean geometry. \(\sqrt[3]{2}\) cannot be constructed using ruler and compass. If \([E:\mathbb{Q}]\) is a power of 2, then \(x^3-2\) is irreducible in \(E[x]\). If \([F[\alpha]:F]\) is odd, then \(F[\alpha]=F[\alpha^2]\), and some other applications of the tower rule. Here is the link to the twentieth lecture.
  • F 3/5: The \(n\)-th cyclotomic polynomial \(\Phi_n(x)\) is defined. We prove that \(\Phi_n(x)\) is an integer polynomial which is irreducible in \(\mathbb{Q}[x]\). We deduce that \(m_{\zeta_n,\mathbb{Q}}(x)=\Phi_n(x)\) and \([\mathbb{Q}[\zeta_n]:\mathbb{Q}]=\phi(n)\). Here is the link to the twenty first lecture.
  • M 3/8: It is proved that if \(E\) is a field extension of \(F\) and \([E:F]< \infty \), then the following are equivalent.
    • For some \(f\in F[x]\), \(E\) is a splitting field of \(f\) over \(F\).
    • For every field extension \(L\) of \(E\) and every \(\theta\in {\rm Aut}_F(L)\), we have \(\theta(E)=E\).
    • For every \(\beta\in E\), there are \(\beta_i\)'s in \(E\) such that \(m_{\beta,F}(x)=\prod_i (x-\beta_i)\).
    We say \(E\) is a normal field extension of \(F\) if the third property mentioned above holds. Here is the link to the twenty second lecture.
  • W 3/10:

    Suppose \(E\) is a finite normal extension of \(F\). Then \(r_{L,E}:{\rm Aut}_F(L)\rightarrow {\rm Aut}_F(E), r_{L,E}(\theta):=\theta|_E\) is a well-defined group homomorphism and its kernel is equal to \({\rm Aut}_E(L)\). In particular, \({\rm Aut}_E(L)\) is normal subgroup of \({\rm Aut}_F(L)\) if \(E\) is a finite normal extension of \(F\). If in addition \(L\) is a normal extension of \(F\), then \(r_{L,E}\) is surjective, and by the first isomorphism of groups, we have that \({\rm Aut}_F(L)/{\rm Aut}_E(L)\simeq {\rm Aut}_F(E)\).

    We discussed how the normal extension property behaves in a tower of field extensions. We showed that if \(F\subseteq E\subseteq L\) is a tower of field extensions and \(L\) is a normal extension of \(F\), then \(L\) is a normal extension of \(F\). We provided examples where

    • \(L\) is a normal extension of \(F\), but \(E\) is not a normal extension of \(F\), and
    • \(L\) is a normal extension of \(E\) and \(E\) is a normal extension of \(F\), but \(L\) is not a normal extension of \(F\).

    We discussed what the normal closure of a field extension is, and proved its existence.

    Prove that if \(E\) is a finite normal extension of \(F\), then \(|{\rm Aut}_F(E)|\leq [E:F]\). Proved that if \(f\in F[x]\), \(E\) is a splitting field of \(f\) over \(F\), and all of irreducible factors of \(f\) have distinct zeros in \(E\), then \(|{\rm Aut}_F(E)|= [E:F]\).

    Here is the link to the twenty third lecture.
  • F 3/10: We defined separable algebraic field extensions, and proved that for a finite field extension \(E\) of \(F\), the following statements are equivalent:
    • \(E\) is a normal separable extension of \(F\).
    • \(E\) is a splitting field of a separable polynomial \(f\in F[x]\) over \(F\).
    • \(|{\rm Aut}_F(E)|=[E:F]\).
  • We say an algebraic field extension \(E\) of \(F\) is a Galois extension if it is both normal and separable. We will explore Galois Theory in 100C. Here is the link to the twenty fourth lecture.

Homework

  • Homework will be assigned in the assignment section of this page.
  • Homework are due on Fridays at 9:00 pm, through GradeScope .
  • Late homework is not accepted.
  • There will be 10 problem sets. Your cumulative homework grade will be based on the best 9 of the 10.
  • Selected problems on the each assignment will be graded.
  • Style:
    • A messy and disorganized homework might get no points.
    • You can scan or simply take a clear photo of your homework and upload it
    • You must select pages corresponding to your solutions of problems during the upload process.
    • If you have not selected pages when the grader begins grading, the grader will not grade your assignment and you will receive a grade of 0 on it. No appeals of this policy will be considered.
    • As a math major, sooner or later you have to learn how to use LaTex. I really encourage you to use Latex to type your solutions. You can use Overleaf . Overleaf is an easy to use and an excellent online LaTeX editor.
  • A good portion of the exams will be based on the weekly problem sets. So it is extremely important for you to make sure that you understand each one of them.
  • You can work on the problems with your classmates, but you have to write down your own version. Copying from other's solutions is not accepted and is considered cheating.
  • Reading the sections of the textbook corresponding to the assigned homework exercises is considered part of the homework assignment. You are responsible for material in the assigned reading whether or not it is discussed in the lecture.
Quizzes.

  • There will be 5 quizzes throughout the quarter.
  • You will write them on Wednesdays 12-12:50 or 19-19:50. Before the first quiz, you have to let me know if you will be taking the quizzes at 12 or 19.
  • No collaboration with other humans or with online resources is allowed.
  • No (e-)notes, textbooks, and calculators are allowed during exams.
  • Questions are fairly similar to the homework assignments and the examples discussed in the class. Make sure that you know how to solve anyone of them.
  • Solutions should be clearly written and you must select pages corresponding to your solutions of problems during the upload process. For the quizzes, your solutions should be hand-written.
  • You will access the quizzes in GradeScope. Students will be divided in two main groups, and will be assigned different exams accordingly.
  • Students who take the earlier quiz are not allowed to share their exams or discuss the problems with others till the second group is done with the quiz.
  • You should use the same Zoom link as the one provided for the Discussion And Problem Sessions. Either your TA or I will be on the Zoom meeting. Your cameras should be on for the duration of quizzes. Students with the AFA will be assigned to separate breakout rooms.

  • The first quiz:
    • Date: 1/20
    • Topics: All the topics that are covered in the first six lectures.
    • Here is version a and here is version b.
    • Here are solutions of version a and here are solutions of version b.
  • The second quiz:
    • Date: 2/3
    • Topics: All the topics that are covered in the first ten lectures.
    • Here is version a and here is version b.
    • Here are solutions of version a and here are solutions of version b.
  • The third quiz:
    • Date: 2/17
    • Topics: All the topics that are covered in the first fifteen lectures.
    • Here is version a and here is version b.
    • Here are solutions of version a and here are solutions of version b.
  • The fourth quiz:
    • Date: 3/3
    • Topics: All the topics that are covered in the first eighteen lectures.
    • Here is version a and here is version b.
  • The fifth quiz:
    • Date: 3/17
    • Topics: All the topics that are covered in the course.
    • Here is version a and here is version b.
Grade

  • There will be 5 quizzes. Your cumulative quiz grade will be based on the best 4 of the 5.
  • Your final weighted score is
    • Homework 20%+ Quiz grade 80%
  • Your letter grade is determined by your weighted score using the best of the following methods:
    • A+ A A- B+ B B- C+ C C-
      97 93 90 87 83 80 77 73 70
    •  Based on a curve where the median corresponds to the cut-off B-/C+.
  • If more than 90% of the students fill out the CAPE questioner at the end of the quarter, all the students get one additional point towards their weighted score.
Regrade
  • If you wish to have your homework or quizzes regraded, you must request regarde through Gradescope within the specified window of time. No regrade will be accepted after the deadline.
  • Please do not enter an erroneous regrade request on Gradescope, i.e. do not ask for a regrade without a good reason (and please explain your reasoning in your request).
  • Submitting a regrade request without a legitimate explanation may result in the loss of one point on the given problem.
Further information
  • There is no make-up exam.
  • No notes, textbooks, calculators and electronic devices are allowed during exams.
  • Academic Integrity: Academic dishonesty is considered a serious offense at UCSD. Students caught cheating will face an administrative sanction which may include suspension or expulsion from the university. It is in your best interest to maintain your academic integrity.
Assignments

The list of homework assignments are subject to revision during the quarter. Please check this page regularly for updates. (Do not forget to refresh your page!)

Here is the list of homework assignments for this course.

Here is the (outline) of solutions of homework assignments for this course.

  • Homework 1 (Due 1/8)

  • Homework 2 (Due 1/15)

  • Homework 3 (Due 1/24) Because of the quiz and the MLK day the deadline is extended.

  • Homework 4 (Due 1/29)

  • Homework 5 (Due 2/6) Because of the quiz

  • Homework 6 (Due 2/13) Because of some confusion about the due date!

  • Homework 7 (Due 2/20) Because of the quiz

  • Homework 8 (Due 2/27)

  • Homework 9 (Due 3/6) Because of the quiz

  • Homework 10 (Due 3/12) Only problems 2,3, and 4 are due.