Solution

ID: past-exam-of-the-algebra-and-analysis-ii-for-mathematics-and-philosophy-course-of-the-university-of-oxford/2013/3/d/solution

Because are nonconstant, their classes in are nonzero: each has smaller degree than , so neither is a multiple of . Their product is zero. Thus the quotient has zero divisors.
If both factors have degree one, each quotient by one factor is isomorphic to , by evaluation at its rational root. Coprimality ensures the two roots are distinct. Part (c) therefore identifies the ring with . If , then in a field, so .
A ring may therefore have zero divisors without having nonzero nilpotent elements.

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