Solution

ID: past-exam-of-the-algebra-analysis-and-differential-equations-2-course-of-the-university-of-oxford/2005/algebra/3/i/solution

An integral domain is a nonzero commutative ring with identity and no zero divisors. A principal ideal domain is an integral domain in which every ideal is generated by one element.
The leading coefficient of a product of nonzero real polynomials is nonzero, so is an integral domain. The zero ideal is principal. In any nonzero ideal , choose a nonzero polynomial of least degree. Divide an arbitrary by : with or . Since , minimality forces . Thus and is a principal ideal domain.
In consider . If , then divides the constant polynomial 2, so is constant, and divisibility of forces . That would give . But the constant coefficient of every element is even, so . This contradiction proves is not a principal ideal domain.

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