Quantum enveloping algebra of sl2 ($U_q({\mathfrak{sl}}_2)$)

Over a field with $q\ne 0$ and $q^2\ne 1$, this Hopf algebra has generators $E,F,K,K^{-1}$ and relations $KE=q^{2}EK$, $KF=q^{-2}FK$ and $EF-FE=(K-K^{-1})/(q-q^{-1})$. One comultiplication convention is $\Delta E=E\otimes K+1\otimes E$, $\Delta F=F\otimes 1+K^{-1}\otimes F$ and $\Delta K=K\otimes K$. Its counit takes $E,F$ to zero and $K$ to one. The antipode takes $E$ to $-E{K}^{-1}$, $F$ to $-KF$ and $K$ to $K^{-1}$.

If $Ev=0$ and $Kv=\lambda v$, induction using the defining commutator gives the displayed identity. When $q$ is not a root of unity, a finite string of length $n+1$ in a simple module has $\lambda =ϵq^n$, $ϵ=\pm 1$. Its distinct $K$ eigenvalues make the string vectors independent, and the nonzero raising coefficients prove simplicity.

The symmetric quantum integer is the displayed Laurent polynomial, with $[0{]}_q=0$. It obeys $[n+1{]}_q=q^{-1}[n{]}_q+q^n$ and $[r{]}_q[s+1{]}_q-[s{]}_q[r+1{]}_q=[r-s{]}_q$. At a primitive odd $\ell$th root of unity, $[n{]}_q=0$ exactly when $\ell$ divides $n$.