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Let $R={\mathcal{O}}_k$, $S={\mathcal{O}}_K$ and $n=[K:k]$. For each prime ideal $\mathfrak{P}$ of $S$ above $\mathfrak{p}$ of $R$, set $f_{\mathfrak{P}}=[S/\mathfrak{P}:R/\mathfrak{p}]$. The relative norm of a fractional ideal can be specified on the unique prime ideal factorization byHere is why this definition is the intrinsic relative ideal norm from norms of elements, and why the residue weights occur. Localize at $\mathfrak{p}$. The finite torsion-free $R_{\mathfrak{p}}$-module $S_{\mathfrak{p}}$ is free of rank $n$, because $R_{\mathfrak{p}}$ is a discrete valuation ring. Multiplication by a nonzero integral $a$ has determinant $N_{K/k}(a)$. The Smith normal form givesDecompose the quotient at the prime ideals above $\mathfrak{p}$. In $S_{\mathfrak{P}}$ each quotient ${\mathfrak{P}}^j/{\mathfrak{P}}^{j+1}$ is one-dimensional over $S/\mathfrak{P}$, so has length $f_{\mathfrak{P}}$ over $R_{\mathfrak{p}}$. ThereforeFor an integral ideal $I$, all norms of elements of $I$ have valuations at least $\sum f_{\mathfrak{P}}{v}_{\mathfrak{P}}(I)$. These minima can be attained simultaneously at the finitely many prime ideals above a fixed $\mathfrak{p}$. In fact the Chinese remainder theorem for ideals, applied inside the finitely generated module $I$, chooses an $a\in I$ with nonzero image in each $I/\mathfrak{P}I$. Equivalently $v_{\mathfrak{P}}(a)=v_{\mathfrak{P}}(I)$ at all these primes. The generated ideal of the element norms consequently has exactly the displayed valuations. Clearing a denominator extends this description to fractional ideals.

Multiplication of fractional ideals adds their prime valuations. The displayed formula therefore provesIt also gives $N_{K/k}((a))=(N_{K/k}(a))$.

Finally, reduction of the free rank-$n$ module $S_{\mathfrak{p}}$ modulo $\mathfrak{p}$ has dimension $n$ over $R/\mathfrak{p}$. The factorization $\mathfrak{p}S={\prod }_i{\mathfrak{P}}_i^{e_i}$ and the Chinese remainder theorem for ideals identify this reduction with the product of the quotients by ${\mathfrak{P}}_i^{e_i}$. Their filtrations have $e_i$ successive quotients of dimension $f_i$ over $R/\mathfrak{p}$. Adding dimensions proves the fundamental identity for prime decomposition: