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Let $L/K$ be an extension of number fields, let $\alpha \in {\mathcal{O}}_L$ be a primitive element of a field extension, and let $f\in {\mathcal{O}}_K[X]$ be its monic minimal polynomial of an algebraic element. Put $R={\mathcal{O}}_K[\alpha ]$ and $S={\mathcal{O}}_L$. The Kummer-Dedekind theorem applies at a nonzero prime ideal $\mathfrak{p}$ of ${\mathcal{O}}_K$ when $R_{\mathfrak{p}}=S_{\mathfrak{p}}$: equivalently, $\mathfrak{p}$ is outside the support of the finite-index quotient $S/R$. Write the factorization over the residue field $k={\mathcal{O}}_K/\mathfrak{p}$ aswith distinct monic irreducible polynomials ${\overline{g}}_j$, and choose monic lifts $g_j\in {\mathcal{O}}_K[X]$. ThenHere $f({\mathfrak{P}}_j/\mathfrak{p})$ denotes the residue-field degree, and the ramification index of a prime ideal is $m_j$.

To prove this, the local index condition givesThe final isomorphism is the Chinese remainder theorem. Each factor is a local ring with unique maximal ideal generated by ${\overline{g}}_j$, so its inverse image in $S$ is exactly ${\mathfrak{P}}_j$, and its residue field is $k[X]/({\overline{g}}_j)$. This proves the list of primes and the residue-field degrees. For the exponents, localize at ${\mathfrak{P}}_j$. The ring of integers of a number field is a Dedekind domain, so $S_{{\mathfrak{P}}_j}$ is a discrete valuation ring. If $\mathfrak{p}{S}_{{\mathfrak{P}}_j}={\mathfrak{P}}_j^{e_j}{S}_{{\mathfrak{P}}_j}$, the quotient has $e_j$ successive layers isomorphic to $S/{\mathfrak{P}}_j$, and hence $k$-dimension $e_j\mathrm{deg}{\overline{g}}_j$. The corresponding polynomial factor has $k$-dimension $m_j\mathrm{deg}{\overline{g}}_j$. Thus $e_j=m_j$, completing the proof rather than merely identifying the radicals.

For the calculation, set $K=\mathbb{Q}(\sqrt{5})$ and $t=(\sqrt{5}-1)/2$. The ring of integers of a quadratic field gives ${\mathcal{O}}_K=\mathbb{Z}[t]$, with $t^2+t-1=0$. The algebraic norm of $4+\sqrt{5}$ is $11$, so its principal ideal has ideal norm $11$. Its quotient ring has prime order and is therefore the finite field ${\mathbb{F}}_{11}$; consequently $(4+\sqrt{5})$ is a prime ideal. In that residue field, $\sqrt{5}=-4=7$ and $t=3$.

Let $L=\mathbb{Q}({\zeta }_5)$. Since $t={\zeta }_5+{\zeta }_5^{-1}$ lies in $\mathbb{Z}[{\zeta }_5]$, the permitted identity ${\mathcal{O}}_L=\mathbb{Z}[{\zeta }_5]$ gives ${\mathcal{O}}_L={\mathcal{O}}_K[{\zeta }_5]$. Thus the local index condition holds at every prime. The relative minimal polynomial of an algebraic element is $X^2-tX+1$, whose reduction isThe roots are distinct. Applying the Kummer-Dedekind theorem givesFor the last equality, evaluation at $5$ or $9$ in ${\mathbb{F}}_{11}$ gives ${\zeta }_5+{\zeta }_5^{-1}=3$ and therefore $4+\sqrt{5}=5+2t=0$. Both descriptions are the same kernels of these evaluation maps. Each prime has ideal norm $11$, residue-field degree one and ramification index of a prime ideal one.

For a direct check of unramified behavior, the cyclotomic polynomial ${\Phi }_{25}$ divides $X^{25}-1$. Modulo $7$, the latter has derivative $25X^{24}=4X^{24}$ and has no common root with that derivative. Thus ${\overline{\Phi }}_{25}$ is separable, so $7$ does not divide its polynomial discriminant. The field discriminant divides this polynomial discriminant, and therefore $7$ is unramified in $\mathbb{Q}({\zeta }_{25})$. The Frobenius automorphism satisfiesIndeed its residue action is seventh powering. The reduced $25$th roots of unity are distinct because $7\nmid 25$, so the residue congruence identifies the exponent uniquely modulo $25$.

The Galois group is $(\mathbb{Z}/25\mathbb{Z}{)}^{\times }$, of order $\phi (25)=20$. Since $7^2=49\equiv -1(\mathrm{mod}25)$, $7^4\equiv 1$ but $7^2\not\equiv 1$. Consequently the Frobenius automorphism has order four. An unramified decomposition group is generated by that element, and the orbit-stabilizer theorem givesThere are therefore five primes above $7$, each with residue field ${\mathbb{F}}_{7^4}$.

Let $F/K$ be a finite Galois extension, choose a prime ideal $\mathfrak{q}$ above $\mathfrak{p}$, and write $k_{\mathfrak{q}}$ and $k_{\mathfrak{p}}$ for the residue fields. The decomposition group and inertia group areThe Frobenius automorphism on the finite field $k_{\mathfrak{q}}$ is $x\mapsto x^{N\mathfrak{p}}$. Its inverse image defines a distinguished coset in $D_{\mathfrak{q}}/I_{\mathfrak{q}}$; a Frobenius element is a lift of that coset. At an unramified prime, $I_{\mathfrak{q}}=1$ and the lift is unique. Changing the prime above $\mathfrak{p}$ conjugates it, so a Frobenius conjugacy class is intrinsically attached to $\mathfrak{p}$. These are arithmetic Frobenius conventions.

A ring homomorphism is understood to preserve $1$. Start with $\phi :A\to B$. Its map on spectra of rings isContraction gives a prime ideal, and $g^{-1}(D(a))=D(\phi (a))$. Thus $g$ is continuous for the Zariski topology. On each principal open subscheme, the structure sheaf map is the ring homomorphismThese maps commute with restrictions, so they define a sheaf morphism ${\mathcal{O}}_X\to g_{\ast }{\mathcal{O}}_Y$. At $\mathfrak{q}$, with $\mathfrak{p}={\phi }^{-1}(\mathfrak{q})$, its stalk map is $A_{\mathfrak{p}}\to B_{\mathfrak{q}}$. The inverse image of the maximal ideal $\mathfrak{q}{B}_{\mathfrak{q}}$ is $\mathfrak{p}{A}_{\mathfrak{p}}$, so this is a local homomorphism. We have constructed a morphism of locally ringed spaces.

Conversely, let $(g,g^{\#})$ be a morphism of locally ringed spaces. Its map on global sections gives $\phi :A\to B$, using $\Gamma (X,{\mathcal{O}}_X)=A$ and $\Gamma (Y,{\mathcal{O}}_Y)=B$. Fix $\mathfrak{q}\in Y$ and put $\mathfrak{p}=g(\mathfrak{q})$. Compatibility with the stalk maps and the local homomorphism property giveConsequently $\mathfrak{p}={\phi }^{-1}(\mathfrak{q})$, so the underlying map is forced. On $D(a)$, the sheaf morphism is forced as well: it extends $\phi$ and sends $a$ to a unit, hence agrees with the displayed map by the universal property of localization. The principal open subschemes form a basis, so the entire sheaf morphism is determined. Taking global sections of the construction recovers $\phi$. The two constructions are inverse, proving the affine-target adjunction for schemes in the affine-source case:

To describe the real affine plane scheme points, write $R=\mathbb{R}[t_1,t_2]$. It is a unique factorization domain of Krull dimension two. Its points are exactly the following prime ideals:

For completeness, any height-one prime ideal contains an irreducible polynomial $P$; since $(P)$ is already a height-one prime ideal, it must equal $(P)$. Every remaining nonzero prime ideal has height two and is maximal, by Krull dimension. For a nonreal pair, evaluation generates all of $\mathbb{C}$ over $\mathbb{R}$, so its kernel is maximal. Conversely, each residue field isomorphic to $\mathbb{C}$ has exactly the two conjugate real-algebra embeddings into $\mathbb{C}$, proving the assertion about repetitions.

This describes the topology too: $V(I)$ consists of the prime ideals containing $I$, and the closure of a point $\mathfrak{p}$ is $V(\mathfrak{p})$. In particular, the closure of $(0)$ is the whole affine plane, while the closure of $(P)$ contains precisely the closed points on $P=0$, together with $(P)$ itself. The spectrum is much larger than the set ${\mathbb{R}}^2$. For example, $(t_1^2+1)$ is a height-one point although its curve has no real points. Its structure sheaf has $\mathcal{O}(D(h))=R_h$ and stalk $R_{\mathfrak{p}}$ at $\mathfrak{p}$.

The induced morphism of schemesis contraction of prime ideals, with the structure sheaf maps given above. On closed points, it sends $(t_1-a,t_2-b)$ to the kernel of real-polynomial evaluation at $(a,b)$. A real closed point has one complex point above it; a nonreal closed point has two, interchanged by complex conjugation. The source generic point maps to the target generic point. The source height-one points are generated by irreducible complex polynomials $Q$. Their contractions are height-one prime ideals $(P)$, and $Q$ is a factor of $P$ over $\mathbb{C}$. An irreducible real $P$ either stays irreducible over $\mathbb{C}$ or splits into two distinct conjugate irreducible factors. Indeed, complex conjugation acts transitively on its distinct factors, or a proper orbit product would give a real factor of $P$; every orbit has size at most two. Repeated factors are excluded by separability in characteristic zero. Thus one or two height-one points lie above $(P)$.

The complexification fibres of a real scheme give a uniform description of all scheme-theoretic fibres, including the nonclosed points, is especially useful. The extension of coordinate rings isa free $R$-module with basis $1,s$. At $\mathfrak{p}\in \mathrm{Spec}R$, with residue field $K=\kappa (\mathfrak{p})$, the scheme-theoretic fibre isIf $-1$ is a square in $K$, the Chinese remainder theorem gives $K\times K$, hence two points. Otherwise it is a quadratic field extension, hence one point. The polynomial has no repeated root in characteristic zero, so all these scheme-theoretic fibres are reduced schemes. This also proves surjectivity. Conjugation acts on each two-point fibre by exchanging its points and fixes each one-point fibre. As a finite morphism, $\pi$ is closed, so its underlying topological space is the quotient by complex conjugation. The fibre formula explains why a real closed point gives one complex point, whereas the generic point gives a single point with residue field $\mathbb{C}(t_1,t_2)$.

Normalize the discrete valuations so a uniformiser has value one, and write $k_K,k_L$ for the residue fields. The ramification index $e$ is specified by $v_L{|}_K=e{v}_K$, and the residue degree is $f=[k_L:k_K]$. For finite extensions of complete discretely valued fields, $[L:K]=ef$. One way to see the degree equality is that ${\mathcal{O}}_L$ is a finite free ${\mathcal{O}}_K$-module of rank $[L:K]$; reduction modulo a uniformiser of $K$ has $e$ successive quotients isomorphic to $k_L$, hence dimension $ef$ over $k_K$.

An unramified extension has $e=1$ and separable residue extension, equivalently $[L:K]=f$ with separable residue extension. A totally ramified extension has $f=1$, equivalently $[L:K]=e$. The separability condition in the unramified extension definition matters if the residue field is imperfect; it is automatic for finite residue fields.

Suppose $L/K$ is unramified. Choose a primitive element of a field extension $\bar{x}$ for the finite separable extension $k_L/k_K$ and lift it to $x\in {\mathcal{O}}_L$. Since the residue degree of $K(x)/K$ is at least $[k_K(\bar{x}):k_K]=[L:K]$, necessarily $K(x)=L$. Its monic minimal polynomial of an algebraic element $f_x$ has coefficients in ${\mathcal{O}}_K$. Its reduction has degree $[L:K]$ and annihilates $\bar{x}$, whose minimal polynomial over $k_K$ has that same degree. The two coincide, so ${\bar{f}}_x$ is separable.

Conversely, suppose $L=K(x)$, $x\in {\mathcal{O}}_L$, and ${\bar{f}}_x$ is separable. It must be irreducible: otherwise its coprime factors lift by the factorization form of Hensel's lemma, contradicting irreducibility of $f_x$. Hence $\bar{x}$ has degree $[L:K]$ over $k_K$. The degree equality forces $f=[L:K]$ and $e=1$, and the residue extension is separable. We have proved the unramified generator criterion with separable reduction:

Now let $k_L={\mathbb{F}}_q$, $q=p^f$. Every element of $k_L^{\times }$ is a simple root of $X^{q-1}-1$, whose derivative is a unit at each root. Hensel's lemma lifts each of these $q-1$ elements uniquely to a root in ${\mathcal{O}}_L^{\times }$. Thus $L$ contains all $q-1$ roots of $X^{q-1}-1$; these are the nonzero Teichmuller lifts.

More generally, a root of unity of order prime to $p$ reduces injectively into $k_L^{\times }$. Indeed, if such a root reduces to $1$, uniqueness in Hensel's lemma for $X^m-1$ makes it equal to $1$. Consequently every prime-to-$p$ order divides $q-1$.

A root whose order has a nontrivial $p$-part produces a primitive $p$th root of unity $\zeta$. It reduces to $1$ in characteristic $p$. Sinceall the factors have the same positive integral valuation. HenceThis is the ramification bound for a primitive pth root of unity. ThereforeFor $p=2$ the hypothesis $e<1$ cannot occur, so that instance is vacuous rather than a claim excluding the ever-present root $-1$.

Write $\alpha =\sqrt[3]{3}$ and $\zeta ={\zeta }_3$. The cubic is Eisenstein and adjoining $\zeta$ adds at most a quadratic extension, so $[L:{\mathbb{Q}}_3]\le 6$. SetUsing ${\zeta }^2+\zeta +1=0$ and ${\alpha }^3=3$, compute ${\pi }^3=1+2\zeta$ and ${\pi }^6=-3$. Thus $\pi$ satisfies the Eisenstein polynomial $X^6+3$. This proves $L={\mathbb{Q}}_3(\pi )$, degree six, with $\pi$ a uniformiser and the extension totally ramified. It is the splitting field of $X^3-3$, so its Galois group is $S_3$. This is the Eisenstein sextic presentation of the splitting field of X3 minus 3 over Q3.

The six automorphisms have $\sigma (\alpha )={\zeta }^a\alpha$, $a\in \{0,1,2\}$, and $\sigma (\zeta )={\zeta }^b$, $b\in \{1,2\}$. Since $v_L(3)=6$, we have $v_L(\alpha )=2$ and $v_L(\zeta -1)=3$.

If $b=1$ and $a\ne 0$, then $\sigma (\pi )={\zeta }^{-a}\pi$, whence $v_L(\sigma (\pi )-\pi )=1+3=4$. These are the two nonidentity elements of the cyclic subgroup $C_3$.

If $b=2$, use ${\zeta }^2-1=(\zeta -1)(\zeta +1)=-(\zeta -1){\zeta }^2$. Then $\sigma (\pi )=-{\zeta }^{2-a}\pi$. The coefficient $-{\zeta }^{2-a}-1$ reduces to $-2\ne 0$ in the residue field ${\mathbb{F}}_3$, so the difference has valuation one. These three automorphisms are the transpositions.

The uniformizer criterion for lower ramification groups consequently givesAs a consistency check, the different exponent is $(6-1)+3(3-1)=11$. The derivative of the monogenic Eisenstein polynomial gives the same value, $v_L(6{\pi }^5)=6+5=11$. In particular, stopping the wild filtration at $G_1$ would give the wrong different.

For a finite Galois extension of local fields, let $G=\mathrm{Gal}(L/K)$, $G_{-1}=G$, and, for integers $i\ge 0$, define the lower ramification groups byIn particular, $G_0$ is the inertia group. The identity satisfies every bound because $v_L(0)=\infty$.

If the extension is totally ramified, its residue fields agree. Choose representatives in ${\mathcal{O}}_K$ of their common residue field. Every $a\in {\mathcal{O}}_L$ has a convergent uniformiser expansion $a={\sum }_{j\ge 0}{c}_j{\pi }_L^j$ with these representatives $c_j$, all fixed by $G$. For $j\ge 1$,Each summand in the second factor has valuation $j-1$. Thus a bound $v_L(\sigma ({\pi }_L)-{\pi }_L)\ge i+1$ implies the same bound on $\sigma (a)-a$, by convergence and the valuation inequality. Necessity follows by testing $a={\pi }_L$. This proves the uniformizer criterion for lower ramification groups:

The idele group is the multiplicative restricted productIts restricted product topology has basic open sets ${\prod }_{v\in S}{U}_v\times {\prod }_{v\notin S}{\mathcal{O}}_v^{\times }$, where $S$ is finite and contains every infinite place, and $U_v$ is open in $K_v^{\times }$. In particular, the restriction to almost all local unit groups is part of the topology, not merely the unrestricted product topology.

The diagonal map $K^{\times }\to J_K$ is injective and well-defined by finite support of the principal ideal's valuations; its image consists of principal ideles. To prove discreteness of principal ideles, take the neighbourhood of $1$ which requires $x_v\in {\mathcal{O}}_v^{\times }$ at every finite place and $|x_v-1|<1/2$ in the ordinary real or complex modulus at every infinite place. A diagonal element in it is a global unit, so $x-1\in {\mathcal{O}}_K$. If $x\ne 1$, the nonzero integer $N_{K/\mathbb{Q}}(x-1)$ has absolute value at least one, but the archimedean bounds make its absolute value less than $2^{-[K:\mathbb{Q}]}$. This contradiction proves $K^{\times }$ is a discrete subgroup of $J_K$.

For a modulus of a number field, write $\mathfrak{m}$ for its finite ideal part together with any selected real places. Let $I_{\mathfrak{m}}$ be the group of fractional ideals coprime to the finite part. Let $P_{\mathfrak{m}}$ consist of principal ideals $(a)$ with $a\equiv 1(\mathrm{mod}{\mathfrak{p}}_v^{m_v})$ locally at each finite place in the modulus, and $a>0$ at each selected real place. The ray class group isEquivalently it is the quotient $J_K/(K^{\times }{U}_{\mathfrak{m}})$, with the corresponding principal-unit factors at finite places and positive multiplicative factors at selected real places. The question now assumes that no infinite places occur.

Put $R_{\mathfrak{m}}={\prod }_{v\in S}{\mathcal{O}}_v^{\times }/(1+{\pi }_v^{m_v}{\mathcal{O}}_v)$. Global units map to $R_{\mathfrak{m}}$ by reduction. To map $R_{\mathfrak{m}}$ to the ray class group, choose, by the Chinese remainder theorem, an integral $a$ having the prescribed unit residues at all $v\in S$, and send the tuple to the ray class of $(a)$. A different choice changes the ratio by an element congruent to one at every such place, so the map is well-defined and multiplicative.

The forgetful map to the ordinary ideal class group is surjective: weak approximation for number fields multiplies an ideal by a principal ideal so that all its valuations in $S$ vanish. Its kernel consists exactly of classes represented by principal ideals coprime to $S$, and their generators supply the local unit residues. Finally, a residue tuple maps to the identity ray class precisely when its chosen $a$ differs from a congruence-one generator by a global unit. Thus the ray class exact sequence isThe leftmost arrow need not be injective, explaining the absence of an initial zero.

For $K=\mathbb{Q}(\sqrt{2})$, the ring of integers of Q of square root two is $\mathbb{Z}[\sqrt{2}]$. Its absolute field norm is a Euclidean function. Indeed, for $a+b\sqrt{2}\in K$, choose nearest integers $m,n$; writing $u=a-m$, $w=b-n$, both bounded by $1/2$, gives $|u^2-2w^2|\le 1/2<1$. Applying this to a quotient proves Euclidean division, hence the ring is a principal ideal domain and $\mathrm{Cl}(K)=0$. This is norm-Euclideanity of the integers adjoined square root two.

Write $\mathfrak{p}=(\sqrt{2})$ and $\mathfrak{q}=(1+2\sqrt{2})$. Their ideal norms are $2$ and $7$, respectively; ${\mathfrak{p}}^2=(2)$ and the residue field at $\mathfrak{q}$ is ${\mathbb{F}}_7$, with $\sqrt{2}\equiv 3$ because $1+2\sqrt{2}\equiv 0$. The finite local quotient product for the requested modulus isThe first factor consists of $1$ and $1+t$.

The given fundamental unit $ϵ=1+\sqrt{2}$ and $-1$ generate the global units. Their images areThe first image has order six; its cube is $(1+t,1)$ and its square is $(1,2)$, generating the first factor and the order-three subgroup of the second. The second image supplies the missing order-two element of ${\mathbb{F}}_7^{\times }$. Thus the global unit map is surjective onto all $12$ local unit residues. By the exact sequence, or the unit-surjectivity criterion for a trivial finite ray class group,There is no positivity condition here: the modulus has no infinite part, so using the unit $-1$ is legitimate and essential in the surjectivity calculation.

Classical Kummer theory relates extraction of $n$th roots to Galois cohomology. In characteristic zero the exact sequenceand Hilbert theorem 90 identify $H^1(K,{\mu }_n)$ with $K^{\times }/K^{\times n}$. For an elliptic curve, the corresponding Kummer exact sequence of an elliptic curve isMultiplication by $n$ is surjective over the algebraic closure. If $nQ=P\in E(K)$, the cocycle $\sigma \mapsto \sigma Q-Q$ takes values in $E[n]$. Changing the choice of $Q$ changes it by a coboundary, and changing $P$ by an element of $nE(K)$ does not change its class. Conversely, a trivial cocycle class allows $Q$ to be adjusted by an $n$-torsion point to become $K$-rational. Thus the Kummer map of an elliptic curve is an injectionThis is the elliptic form of Kummer theory. The full cohomology group need not be finite; the arithmetic restriction on these classes is essential.

Choose a finite set $S$ of places containing the archimedean places, the primes over $n$, and all primes of bad reduction of an elliptic curve. At a finite place outside $S$, $E$ has good reduction and $n$ is a unit. A division point of the reduction of $P$ exists over the algebraic closure of the residue field. Smooth lifting gives a point over a finite unramified extension whose multiple differs from $P$ by an element of the kernel of reduction of an elliptic curve. In the formal group of an elliptic curve, $[n](T)=nT+O(T^2)$ is an isomorphism by the invertible morphism criterion for formal group laws, and its integral inverse converges on the maximal ideal. Correcting that difference produces a division point in the maximal unramified extension. Hence the Kummer map of an elliptic curve class is unramified outside $S$.

To prove finiteness explicitly, choose a finite Galois extension $L/K$ containing all $E[n]$ and all $n$th roots of unity, and enlarge $S$ to include its ramified places. A basis of $E[n]\cong (\mathbb{Z}/n\mathbb{Z}{)}^2$ identifies it over $L$ with ${\mu }_n^2$. Classical Kummer theory then identifiesThe restriction of every class in the image of $\delta$ belongs to $L(S_L,n{)}^2$, where the S-unramified power class group isIndeed an unramified local Kummer extension at residue characteristic prime to $n$ has valuation divisible by $n$: in an unramified field containing a root, $nv(a^{1/n})=v(a)$ with integral valuations.

The finiteness of S-unramified Kummer classes follows from the exact sequenceTo see the final map, write the ideal of $a$ away from $S_L$ as ${\mathfrak{a}}^n$ and take the ideal class of $\mathfrak{a}$. Its kernel is represented by an S-unit, after division by an $n$th power; conversely an $n$-torsion ideal class yields such an $a$. The S-unit group is finitely generated by the Dirichlet unit theorem together with the finitely many inverted primes. The ideal class group of the localized ring is a quotient of the finite ordinary ideal class group. Both outer groups are therefore finite.

Finally restriction has finite kernel: inflation-restriction puts it in the finite group $H^1(\mathrm{Gal}(L/K),E[n])$. Thus the image of $\delta$ has finite restriction image and finite kernel, andThis proves the weak Mordell-Weil theorem. Combining it with the height descent lemma proves the full Mordell-Weil theorem. Local restrictions at every place refine the finite group used here to the Selmer group of an elliptic curve, which is useful for explicit descent calculations.

An absolute value on a field is a map $|\cdot |:K\to {\mathbb{R}}_{\ge 0}$ satisfyingA Non-Archimedean absolute value satisfies the stronger ultrametric inequality $|x+y|\le \max (|x|,|y|)$. Two equivalent absolute values induce the same topology, or equivalently differ by a positive real power. The trivial absolute value on a field takes value one on every nonzero element. The rational classification and the compactness criterion below concern nontrivial absolute values on a field; the trivial exceptions are given explicitly.

Here the additive valuation has real values. For any $c>1$, the mutually inverse constructions areMultiplicativity becomes $v(xy)=v(x)+v(y)$, and the ultrametric inequality becomes $v(x+y)\ge \min (v(x),v(y))$. Equivalent real-valued valuations differ by positive scaling, so these constructions give the required bijection on equivalence classes. Changing $c$ merely rescales the valuation.

To justify the topology formulation, $|a|<1$ is equivalent to $a^n\to 0$. Thus two nontrivial absolute values on a field with the same topology give the same strict positivity relation on their additive valuations. Fix $t$ with $v_1(t)>0$. Comparing the signs of $m{v}_j(t)-n{v}_j(x)=v_j(t^m{x}^{-n})$, for integers $m$ and positive integers $n$, shows that $v_1(x)/v_1(t)$ and $v_2(x)/v_2(t)$ have identical rational cuts. They are equal, proving $v_2=c{v}_1$ for $c>0$. If one allows valuations in arbitrary ordered groups, the nontrivial classes arising this way are precisely rank-one valuations: higher-rank ordered value groups do not embed order-preservingly in $\mathbb{R}$.

For a nontrivial Non-Archimedean absolute value on $\mathbb{Q}$, $|n|\le 1$ for every integer $n$, by repeatedly applying the ultrametric inequality to sums of ones. Some prime $p$ must have $|p|<1$, otherwise prime factorization and multiplicativity would make every nonzero rational have value one. There is at most one such prime: if both $|p|,|q|<1$, a Bezout identity $ap+bq=1$ contradicts the ultrametric inequality. If $p\nmid m$, another Bezout identity gives $|m|=1$. HenceThis proves the non-Archimedean part of the Ostrowski theorem. If the trivial absolute value on a field is admitted, it supplies one additional class and is not equivalent to any p-adic absolute value.

The valuation ring, its maximal ideal, and its residue field areSuppose the absolute value on a field is nontrivial and $R$ is compact. The ideal $\mathfrak{m}$ is an open additive subgroup of $R$, so $k$ is discrete; as a continuous image of a compact space it is finite. The subgroup $\mathfrak{m}$ is also closed, since all its cosets are open, and is therefore compact. The continuous function $|\cdot |$ attains a maximum $\rho$ on $\mathfrak{m}$, with $0<\rho <1$. Choose $\pi$ with $|\pi |=\rho$. Then the positive values of $v=-\log |\cdot |$ have least element $-\log \rho$. Division with remainder in this additive subgroup of $\mathbb{R}$ proves $v(K^{\times })=v(\pi )\mathbb{Z}$. Thus $K$ is a discretely valued field and $\pi$ is a uniformizer.

Conversely, normalize the discrete valuation by $v(\pi )=1$. If $k$ has $q$ elements, $R/{\pi }^{N}R$ has $q^N$ elements. Each quotient therefore supplies a finite cover by balls of radius tending to zero. The ring $R$ is a closed subset of the complete metric field $K$, hence complete and totally bounded, so it is compact. Equivalently,This is the local compactness criterion for a complete non-Archimedean field, with nontriviality understood. For the trivial absolute value on a field, $R=K$ has the discrete topology and is compact exactly when $K$ is a finite field; its value group is zero rather than a nonzero discrete cyclic group.

The inverse different is the trace-dual latticeThe integral closure ${\mathcal{O}}_L$ is finite free over the complete discrete valuation ring ${\mathcal{O}}_K$. Choose an integral basis and use the nondegenerate trace pairing to form its dual basis over $K$. This exhibits ${\mathfrak{D}}^{-1}$ as a full, finite ${\mathcal{O}}_K$-lattice. It is stable under multiplication by ${\mathcal{O}}_L$, because $b{\mathcal{O}}_L\subseteq {\mathcal{O}}_L$ for $b\in {\mathcal{O}}_L$, and bounded denominators make it a fractional ideal of ${\mathcal{O}}_L$. Integral elements have integral field traces, so ${\mathcal{O}}_L\subseteq {\mathfrak{D}}^{-1}$. A nonzero fractional ideal of a discrete valuation ring is invertible; its inverse is consequently an integral ideal, the different ideal ${\mathfrak{D}}_{L/K}$.

Assume now $A={\mathcal{O}}_K[x]={\mathcal{O}}_L$, with monic separable minimal polynomial $g$ of degree $n$. Lagrange interpolation at its distinct roots givesIndeed, these are the leading coefficients in the interpolation formula for $X^j$. For any element of $A$, this trace is the coefficient of $X^{n-1}$ in its degree-less-than-$n$ representative modulo $g$. The resulting pairing on the basis $1,x,\dots ,x^{n-1}$ is integral and unimodular: reversing the order of one basis makes its matrix triangular with diagonal ones, since entries vanish when the exponent sum is less than $n-1$. Thus it identifies $A$ with its full ${\mathcal{O}}_K$-dual. Translating back to the trace pairing proves

For a totally ramified extension of degree $n$, any uniformizer ${\pi }_L$ is an Eisenstein generator of a totally ramified extension, and ${\mathcal{O}}_L={\mathcal{O}}_K[{\pi }_L]$. To see the latter equality, use the common residue field to expand an integral element in powers of ${\pi }_L$ with digits from ${\mathcal{O}}_K$; reduce powers using its Eisenstein polynomial and take limits in the finite complete ${\mathcal{O}}_K$-module generated by $1,{\pi }_L,\dots ,{\pi }_L^{n-1}$. Write that polynomial as $X^n+{\sum }_{j<n}{a}_j{X}^j$, with $v_L(a_j)\ge n$ for $j<n$. When $p\nmid n$, the derivative's leading term has valuation $n-1$, while every other nonzero derivative term has valuation at least $n$. There can be no cancellation of the unique smallest term. Therefore

For the prime-power p-adic cyclotomic extension, put $\zeta ={\zeta }_{p^r}$ and $e=p^{r-1}(p-1)$. Modulo $p$, the shifted cyclotomic polynomial ${\Phi }_{p^r}(1+T)$ is $T^e$, while its constant term is $p$, not a multiple of $p^2$. It is therefore Eisenstein, so $\pi =\zeta -1$ is a uniformizer and ${\mathcal{O}}_{K_r}={\mathbb{Z}}_p[\zeta ]$. Fromwe obtain, by differentiating the numerator at $\zeta$,The denominator is a primitive-$p$ root of unity minus one and has $K_r$-valuation $p^{r-1}$. The different exponent is consequently $re-p^{r-1}$, givingThis includes $p=2,r=1$: the extension is trivial and its different exponent is zero.

The geometric sum givesSince ${\Phi }_p(1)=p$, its factorization at the nonidentity $p$th roots of unity yieldsEach factor is a unit, and Wilson theorem gives $w\equiv (p-1)!\equiv -1(\mathrm{mod}{\pi }_K)$. Set $u=-w^{-1}$. Then $u$ is a principal unit andThe minus sign comes from the product of the nonzero elements of the residue field, not from an arbitrary choice of uniformizer.

A local ring is a nonzero ring with one maximal ideal $\mathfrak{m}$. Write $\kappa =R/\mathfrak{m}$ for its residue field. Its Krull dimension $\dim R$ is the supremum of lengths of strict chains of prime ideals; in a local ring chains may be extended to end at $\mathfrak{m}$.

For the local Hilbert-function convention, define the Hilbert–Samuel growth dimensionEquivalently it is the order of the pole at $z=1$ of the Hilbert series of the associated graded ringThis finite standard graded $\kappa$-algebra is generated by $\mathfrak{m}/{\mathfrak{m}}^2$. The Hilbert-Serre theorem makes the cumulative Hilbert function eventually polynomial, which establishes the definition. For an Artinian local ring, the polynomial is constant and nonzero, so $d(R)=0$.

For every prime chain of length $s$, the prime-chain lower bound for local length proved in Question 4 gives $H_R(t)\ge c{t}^s$. A polynomial of degree $d(R)$ cannot satisfy this when $s>d(R)$. Thus the requested inequality isFor clarity, the embedding dimension is the different invariantThe equality follows from the Nakayama lemma. Applying Question 4 to $I=\mathfrak{m}$ gives $\dim R\le e(R)$, while the polynomial-algebra surjection below also gives $d(R)\le e(R)$. In particular, growth dimension and embedding dimension should be kept distinct.

A regular local ring is a Noetherian local ring with $e(R)=\dim R$. Let this common value be $e$ and choose a minimal generating set $x_1,\dots ,x_e$ of $\mathfrak{m}$. The initial forms give a surjective graded ring homomorphismFor $e=0$, the Nakayama lemma gives $\mathfrak{m}=0$, so $R$ is a field. Assume $e>0$. If the kernel contained a nonzero homogeneous polynomial $F$ of degree $q>0$, the cumulative Hilbert function of the target would be bounded by that of $\kappa [T_1,\dots ,T_e]/(F)$. Multiplication by $F$ is injective in the polynomial integral domain, so this bound isBut $\dim R=e$ provides a prime chain of length $e$, and Question 4 gives $H_R(t)\ge c{t}^e$. This is a contradiction. Hence the associated graded ring of a regular local ring isan integral domain.

Finally the Krull intersection theorem gives ${\bigcap }_j{\mathfrak{m}}^j=0$. One can see the needed separatedness directly: for the finitely generated ideal $K={\bigcap }_j{\mathfrak{m}}^j$, the Artin-Rees lemma gives $K=\mathfrak{m}K$, and the Nakayama lemma gives $K=0$. Therefore each nonzero $a\in R$ has finite $\mathfrak{m}$-adic order $r$, with nonzero initial form in ${\mathfrak{m}}^r/{\mathfrak{m}}^{r+1}$. For nonzero $a,b$, their initial forms have nonzero product in the graded integral domain. It follows that $ab\ne 0$, and indeed its order is the sum of their orders. Thus $R$ is an integral domain.