Past exam of the algebra 2 course of the University of Oxford / 2015 / 1 / c

Put $A=R/(p^k)$. A principal ideal domain is a unique factorization domain, so every nonzero element of this quotient ring can be writtenIndeed, remove the largest power of the prime element $p$ from a representative that is not divisible by $p^k$. Since $s$ and $p^k$ have greatest common divisor $1$ up to a unit, Bézout's identity in the principal ideal domain gives $xs+y{p}^k=1$. Thus $\overline{s}$ is a unit in $A$.

Consequently every nonzero principal ideal in $A$ is generated by one of $1,\overline{p},\dots ,{\overline{p}}^{k-1}$. Include the zero ideal by assigning it exponent $e=k$. These ideals are distinct: their inverse images in $R$ are $(1),(p),\dots ,(p^k)$, and equality of two different powers would, by cancellation in the integral domain, make the nonunit $p$ a unit.

Now suppose $(\overline{a})=(\overline{b})$. If this is the zero ideal, both generators are zero and are associate elements. Otherwise their exponents agree, so writewith $\overline{s},\overline{t}$ both units. Thenand the multiplier is a unit. ThusThe exponent detects the principal ideal, while its remaining factor is invertible; this is why zero divisors cause no obstruction here.