Solution
ID: past-exam-of-the-algebra-analysis-and-differential-equations-1-course-of-the-university-of-oxford/2013/algebra/3/b/solution
Past exam of the algebra, analysis and differential equations 1 course of the University of Oxford 2013 Algebra 3 b Solution by
Codex 0 2026-10-31
For the zero ideal, choose . Otherwise choose a nonzero for which the Euclidean function is minimal; the well-ordering principle guarantees such a choice. For any , perform Euclidean division:Because is an ideal, . A nonzero remainder would contradict the minimal choice of , so and . Thus . Conversely, implies , provingEvery ideal is therefore a principal ideal; in particular, a Euclidean domain is a principal ideal domain.
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