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First consider finite-dimensional Lie algebra representations. The operators representing an abelian Lie algebra commute. They have a common eigenvector: take an eigenspace for the first operator of a basis of the algebra, observe that every remaining operator preserves it, and repeat inside this nonzero space. The resulting line is an invariant subspace, so an irreducible representation must be one-dimensional. Its action has the form $xv=\lambda (x)v$ for a linear functional $\lambda$. Conversely, every such functional defines a Lie algebra representation, since both the Lie brackets in the algebra and the commutators of its scalar operators vanish. Distinct functionals give nonisomorphic representations. Thus the irreducibles are precisely the characters $\lambda \in {\mathfrak{g}}^{\ast }$.

Even without a finite-dimensional assumption on the module, this conclusion for a finite-dimensional abelian Lie algebra follows from the Weak Hilbert Nullstellensatz: its universal enveloping algebra is the polynomial algebra $\mathrm{Sym}(\mathfrak{g})$. A simple module over a commutative algebra is its quotient by a maximal ideal, and every maximal ideal of this polynomial algebra over $\mathbb{C}$ has residue field $\mathbb{C}$.

Indecomposable does not imply irreducible. For the one-dimensional abelian Lie algebra $\mathbb{C}x$, let $x$ act on ${\mathbb{C}}^2$ by the Nilpotent Jordan blockThe line spanned by the first coordinate vector is an invariant subspace, so the module is reducible. If it were a direct sum of two nonzero submodules, both would have dimension one; nilpotence would force $N$ to act as zero on both, contrary to $N\ne 0$. Thus it is an indecomposable representation.

For a finite-dimensional module $V$, put $d=\dim V$ and define its generalized weight spaces intrinsically byTo obtain the decomposition, choose a basis $x_1,\dots ,x_r$ of $\mathfrak{g}$, split into generalized eigenspaces of $\rho (x_1)$, and successively split each piece by $\rho (x_2),\dots ,\rho (x_r)$. All the pieces are submodules because the acting operators commute. On one resulting piece, $\rho (x_j)$ has a unique eigenvalue ${\lambda }_j$. The commuting operators can be simultaneously upper triangularized by repeating the common-eigenvector argument on quotients. Hence on this piece every $\rho (x_j)-{\lambda }_{j}I$ is strictly upper triangular. Any linear combination is also strictly upper triangular, and its $d$th power vanishes. Extending ${\lambda }_j$ linearly therefore identifies the piece with $V^{\lambda }$. Different tuples give disjoint pieces; if a component has a different tuple from $\lambda$, at least one $\rho (x_j)-\lambda (x_j)I$ is invertible there. Consequentlywith only finitely many nonzero summands. Since the definition uses every $x$ rather than a chosen basis, this generalized-weight decomposition for a nilpotent Lie algebra is canonical. Its summands need not be irreducible, as the Jordan block example already shows.

Let $A=\mathbb{C}[x,y,z]$. This polynomial ring is a unique factorization domain of Krull dimension three. For a height-one prime in a unique factorization domain $\mathfrak{p}$, choose a nonzero element of it and an irreducible factor $q$ belonging to $\mathfrak{p}$. In a unique factorization domain, $q$ is prime, so $(q)$ is a nonzero prime ideal contained in $\mathfrak{p}$. Strict containment would give a chain $(0)⊊(q)⊊\mathfrak{p}$ of length two. ThusIf $\mathfrak{p}$ has height three, it is maximal: any strictly larger proper prime would extend a length-three chain and contradict $\dim A=3$. The Weak Hilbert Nullstellensatz over the algebraically closed field $\mathbb{C}$ then givesfor some $a,b,c\in \mathbb{C}$. This proves both requested generator assertions.

For the monomial curve with exponents three, four and five, putAll three map to zero under the given parametrization, so $J\subseteq I=\ker \phi$. Reduce any monomial using $y^2\mapsto xz$, $yz\mapsto x^3$ and $z^2\mapsto x^{2}y$. Each reduction decreases the sum of the exponents of $y,z$, so it terminates. Every polynomial has, modulo $J$, the formIts image is $A_0(t^3)+t^4{A}_1(t^3)+t^5{A}_2(t^3)$. These three terms occupy different exponent classes modulo three, so they cannot cancel. A zero image forces each $A_i=0$. ConsequentlyThe quotient is the domain $\mathbb{C}[t^3,t^4,t^5]$, hence $I$ is a prime ideal. It is finite free over $\mathbb{C}[t^3]$, with basis of a module $1,t^4,t^5$, by the same normal-form argument. Its dimension is therefore one, using that integral extensions preserve Krull dimension. The polynomial-ring height and dimension formula givesFor the generator obstruction, let $\mathfrak{m}=(x,y,z)$. Since $I\subseteq {\mathfrak{m}}^2$, we have $\mathfrak{m}I\subseteq {\mathfrak{m}}^3$. The degree-two initial forms of $g_1,g_2,g_3$ areThey are linearly independent over $\mathbb{C}$ in ${\mathfrak{m}}^2/{\mathfrak{m}}^3$. Thus no nonzero constant linear combination of the $g_i$ belongs to $\mathfrak{m}I$, and their classes are independent in $I/\mathfrak{m}I$. Since the three generators span that quotient,Two global generators would span it by two vectors, which is impossible. This is the initial-form lower bound for ideal generators; it shows why height two does not force two generators, even though height one and height three behave as above.

The Noether normalization lemma is valid over every field $k$, including finite fields: a nonzero finitely generated algebra $C$ contains elements $y_1,\dots ,y_d$ with algebraic independence over $k$ such that $C$ is finite as a module over the polynomial ring $k[y_1,\dots ,y_d]$. We prove it without an infinite-field hypothesis.

Write $C=k[a_1,\dots ,a_n]$ and induct on $n$. If the generators have algebraic independence, they already give a polynomial ring and the assertion is immediate. Otherwise choose a nonzero relation $F(a_1,\dots ,a_n)=0$. Choose an integer $M$ larger than every exponent in the monomials of $F$, and setIn $F(Y_1+T^M,Y_2+T^{M^2},\dots ,Y_{n-1}+T^{M^{n-1}},T)$, the largest power of $T$ has a nonzero coefficient in $k$. Indeed, a monomial with exponents $(e_1,\dots ,e_n)$ contributes top weight $e_n+{\sum }_{i<n}{e}_i{M}^i$. These weights are distinct by uniqueness of base-$M$ expansion, so only one monomial contributes the highest power. After rescaling, the substituted relation is monic in $T$.

Consequently $a_n$ is an integral element over $C^{\prime }=k[b_1,\dots ,b_{n-1}]$, and $C=C^{\prime }[a_n]$ is finite over $C^{\prime }$. Apply the induction hypothesis to $C^{\prime }$ and compose the finite module extensions. This proves Noether normalization by weighted substitutions. The induction reaches $n=0$, where $C=k$. For an integral domain $C$, taking fraction fields makes the resulting extension finite algebraic, so $d$ is the transcendence degree of $\mathrm{Frac}(C)/k$. More generally $d=\dim C$: integral extensions preserve Krull dimension, and a polynomial algebra in $d$ variables has Krull dimension $d$.

A useful bridge to the Hilbert Nullstellensatz is the Zariski lemma. If a field $E$ is a finitely generated algebra over $k$, normalization makes it finite and integral over a polynomial ring $P=k[y_1,\dots ,y_d]$. A subring over which a field is integral is a field: for nonzero $a\in P$, an integral equation for $a^{-1}\in E$, multiplied by $a^{r-1}$, expresses $a^{-1}$ as an element of $P$. Therefore $P$ must be a field. A polynomial ring in a positive number of variables is not a field, since a variable has no polynomial inverse. Hence $d=0$ and $E/k$ is a finite field extension. This proves the Zariski lemma.

Now let $k$ be an algebraically closed field. The Weak Hilbert Nullstellensatz says that every maximal ideal of $k[X_1,\dots ,X_n]$ is uniquely of the formTo prove it, the residue field $k[X]/\mathfrak{m}$ is a field generated as a $k$-algebra by the images of the variables. The Zariski lemma makes it finite algebraic over $k$, and algebraic closedness makes it $k$. Thus each $X_i$ has an image $a_i\in k$. The evaluation map has kernel the displayed ideal: subtracting the constant value of a polynomial expresses its difference as a combination of $X_i-a_i$. That kernel is maximal and contained in $\mathfrak{m}$, so equality holds. Conversely every evaluation kernel is maximal because its quotient is $k$. Uniqueness follows from the variable images. Every proper ideal is contained in a maximal ideal, so it has a common zero; equivalently, an ideal with no common zero is the whole ring.

For an ideal $I\subseteq k[X_1,\dots ,X_n]$, let $V(I)$ be its common-zero set and let $I(V(I))$ be all polynomials vanishing on that set. The Strong Hilbert Nullstellensatz statesThe inclusion $\sqrt{I}\subseteq I(V(I))$ follows because a field has no nonzero nilpotent elements. For the other inclusion, take $f$ vanishing on $V(I)$, with $f\ne 0$, and form the Rabinowitsch trick idealIt has no common zero: at a zero of $I$ the second generator has value one. The Weak Hilbert Nullstellensatz in $n+1$ variables gives $J=(1)$. Hence a finite identity has the form $1={\sum }_j{h}_j(X,T)g_j(X)+h(X,T)(1-Tf)$, with $g_j\in I$. Substitute $T=f^{-1}$ in the localization of a ring $k[X{]}_f$. Clearing the finitely many powers of $f$ occurring in denominators gives $f^r\in I$ for some $r$, so $f\in \sqrt{I}$. The case $f=0$ is immediate. This completes all three proofs. The algebraically closed hypothesis belongs to the two forms of the Hilbert Nullstellensatz; it was not needed for the Noether normalization lemma or the Zariski lemma.

If $f\in \sqrt{I}$, a power $f^m$ vanishes at every point of $Z(I)$, so $f$ itself vanishes there. This gives $\sqrt{I}\subseteq I(Z(I))$.

For the reverse inclusion, take $f$ vanishing on $Z(I)$ and use the Rabinowitsch trick. In $k[x_1,\dots ,x_n,t]$ form $J=(I,1-tf)$. A common zero would have $x\in Z(I)$, whence $f(x)=0$ and $1-tf(x)=1$, a contradiction. The assumed Weak Hilbert Nullstellensatz gives $J=(1)$. Thus there is a finite expressionIf $f=0$ the conclusion is immediate. Otherwise substitute $t=f^{-1}$ in the localized polynomial ring. The last term vanishes, and clearing a sufficiently high power of $f$ gives $f^N\in I$. Hence $f\in \sqrt{I}$, proving the Strong Hilbert Nullstellensatz:

The Weak Hilbert Nullstellensatz states that if $k$ is an algebraically closed field, every maximal ideal of $k[Y_1,\dots ,Y_s]$ isEquivalently, every proper ideal has a common zero. We prove the more general field statement, the Zariski lemma: a field finitely generated as a $k$-algebra is a finite field extension of $k$.

Write such a field as $L=k[b_1,\dots ,b_s]$. Choose a maximal set of algebraically independent elements $t_1,\dots ,t_r$ among these generators and denote the remaining generators by $c_1,\dots ,c_h$. Each $c_j$ is an algebraic element over $K=k(t_1,\dots ,t_r)$, so $L/K$ is a finite field extension. Clearing the denominators in their monic equations, choose a nonzero $d\in k[t_1,\dots ,t_r]$ such that each $c_j$ is an integral element overBecause $L$ is a field and $d^{-1}\in L$, we have $L=D[c_1,\dots ,c_h]$. Thus $L$ is an integral extension of $D$.

A subring over which a field is integral must itself be a field. Indeed, for $0\ne a\in D$, an integral equation for $a^{-1}$ multiplied by $a^{m-1}$ expresses $a^{-1}$ as an element of $D$. But if $r>0$, the ring $D$ is not a field: choose an irreducible polynomial $q(t_1)\in k[t_1]$ which does not divide $d$. There are infinitely many monic irreducible polynomials in $k[t_1]$, by the usual product-plus-one argument, whereas only finitely many can divide the nonzero $d$. The prime ideal $(q)$ stays proper after inverting $d$, so $q$ has no inverse in $D$. Therefore $r=0$, proving that $L/k$ is a finite field extension, and in particular an algebraic field extension.

Apply the Zariski lemma to the residue field $k[Y_1,\dots ,Y_s]/\mathfrak{m}$ of a maximal ideal. When $k$ is an algebraically closed field, this field is $k$ itself. The images $a_i$ of $Y_i$ then give $\mathfrak{m}=(Y_1-a_1,\dots ,Y_s-a_s)$, proving the Weak Hilbert Nullstellensatz.

For the real Laurent polynomial ring, the same argument applies because it is the finitely generated algebraEvery residue field at a maximal ideal is consequently a finite field extension of $\mathbb{R}$, and so is $\mathbb{R}$ or $\mathbb{C}$. Here we use the fundamental theorem of algebra, which makes $\mathbb{C}$ the algebraic closure of $\mathbb{R}$ of degree two. The images of $X_1,X_2$ must be nonzero since these elements are units. It follows that the answer iswith $(\alpha ,\beta )$ and $(\overline{\alpha },\overline{\beta })$ defining the same maximal ideal. If both coordinates are real, evaluation has image $\mathbb{R}$; otherwise its image is $\mathbb{C}$. Thus every displayed kernel is maximal, and the Zariski lemma shows that this list is exhaustive.

For explicit generating sets of an ideal, there are three cases. For real nonzero $a,b$,If $\alpha =a\in {\mathbb{R}}^{\times }$ and $\beta =s+it$ with $t\ne 0$,If $\alpha =u+iv$ with $v\ne 0$ and $\beta =s+it$, thenThe last two quotients are $\mathbb{C}$; the nonzero coordinate condition ensures that the Laurent inverses exist in them. There are no further coincidences in the classification: equal kernels induce an $\mathbb{R}$-isomorphism between the evaluation image fields. The only $\mathbb{R}$-automorphisms of $\mathbb{C}$ are the identity and complex conjugation, so the two pairs must agree or be conjugate.

To prove the intersection assertion, fix a prime ideal $P$ and an element $f\notin P$. The integral domain $B=R/P$ has nonzero image $\bar{f}$. Its localization of a ring $B[{\bar{f}}^{-1}]$ is nonzero and still a finitely generated algebra over $\mathbb{R}$, so it has a maximal ideal $\mathfrak{n}$. By the Zariski lemma, the field $L=B[{\bar{f}}^{-1}]/\mathfrak{n}$ is finite over $\mathbb{R}$.

The image of $B$ in $L$ is a subring containing $\mathbb{R}$ and is a finite-dimensional $\mathbb{R}$-vector space. It is an integral domain, hence a field: multiplication by any nonzero element is an injective linear map of a finite-dimensional vector space and therefore surjective. The kernel of $B\to L$ is thus a maximal ideal which avoids $\bar{f}$, since $\bar{f}$ is invertible in $L$. Its inverse image in $R$ is a maximal ideal containing $P$ but avoiding $f$. As this works for every $f\notin P$,This is the Jacobson ring property for this Laurent polynomial ring.

For a nonzero finitely generated module $M$, its set of associated primes isHere ${\mathrm{Ann}}_R(m)=\{a\in R:am=0\}$ is the annihilator of the element. The Laurent polynomial ring $R$ is a Noetherian ring, so the nonempty collection of annihilators of nonzero elements of $M$ has a maximal member, say $P={\mathrm{Ann}}_R(m)$. It is proper because $m\ne 0$.

If $ab\in P$ and $b\notin P$, then $bm\ne 0$ andMaximality forces ${\mathrm{Ann}}_R(bm)=P$, hence $a\in P$. Thus $P$ is a prime ideal, proving $\boxed{{\mathrm{Ass}}_R(M)\ne \varnothing }$. This argument in fact only needs that $R$ is Noetherian, not the finite generation of $M$.

A proper ideal $Q$ is $P$-primary when its radical of an ideal is $P$ andEquivalently, $ab\in Q$ and $b\notin P$ imply $a\in Q$; equivalently, every zero divisor of $R/Q$ is nilpotent. These formulations distinguish the actual primary ideal property from the weaker assertion that there is only one minimal prime ideal.

For the final example, set $u=X_1-1$ and $v=X_2-1$. ThenSince $R/P\cong \mathbb{R}[X_2,X_2^{-1}]$ is an integral domain, $P$ is a prime ideal. Moreover $I\subseteq P$ and $u^2\in I$, so $\sqrt{I}=P$. Consequently $P$ is the unique minimal prime ideal over $I$.

Nevertheless $uv\in I$, while $u\notin I$ and no power of $v$ belongs to $I$. For the first assertion, reduce modulo $v$: the image of $I$ is $(u^2)$ in $\mathbb{R}[X_1,X_1^{-1}]$, and $u$ is not a multiple of $u^2$ because $u$ is a nonunit in this integral domain. For the second, $v\notin P$, so $v^j\notin P\supseteq I$ for every $j\ge 1$. Thus $I$ is not a $P$-primary ideal: a unique minimal prime does not imply primary. In $R/I$, the nonzero class of $u$ is killed by $v$, a zero divisor which is not nilpotent.

Use the Rabinowitsch trick. In the polynomial ring $k[x_1,\dots ,x_n,t]$, considerIf $I$ were proper, it would lie in a maximal ideal. Part (a), together with algebraic closedness of $k$, is the Weak Hilbert Nullstellensatz, so that maximal ideal would be evaluation at a point $(a_1,\dots ,a_n,b)\in k^{n+1}$. We would then haveBut the hypothesis gives $f(a)=0$, a contradiction. Therefore $I$ is the unit ideal.

There are polynomials $g_j$ and $h$ such thatSubstitute $t=f^{-1}$ in the localization $k[x_1,\dots ,x_n{]}_f$. This gives $1\in J_f$; clearing a power of $f$ yieldsThis is the Strong Hilbert Nullstellensatz inclusion $I(Z(J))\subseteq \sqrt{J}$.

For an algebraically closed field $k$, the Weak Hilbert Nullstellensatz says that every maximal ideal of $k[x_1,\dots ,x_n]$ isfor a unique $a\in k^n$. Equivalently, every proper ideal has a common zero. The Strong Hilbert Nullstellensatz says that for every ideal $I$,

To deduce the strong form, let $f$ vanish on $V(I)$ and introduce a variable $y$. The equations in $I$ together with $1-yf$ have no common zero: a common zero would satisfy both $f=0$ and $yf=1$. The weak theorem therefore givesSubstitute $y=f^{-1}$ in the localization $k[x_1,\dots ,x_n,f^{-1}]$. The last term vanishes, and clearing a power of $f$ yields $f^N\in I$. Thus $f\in \sqrt{I}$. The reverse inclusion is immediate, completing the Rabinowitsch trick proof.

For an ideal $I\subseteq k[T_1,\dots ,T_n]$, defineFor $X\subseteq k^n$, defineand recall that $\sqrt{I}=\{f:f^r\in I\text{ for some }r\ge 1\}$ is the radical of an ideal.

For an algebraically closed field $k$, the Weak Hilbert Nullstellensatz says that every maximal ideal of $k[T_1,\dots ,T_n]$ isfor a unique $a\in k^n$, equivalently every proper ideal has a common zero. The Strong Hilbert Nullstellensatz says

To prove the weak form, let $\mathfrak{m}$ be maximal. The residue fieldis a field finitely generated as a $k$-algebra. By the Zariski lemma, $K/k$ is finite algebraic; algebraic closedness gives $K=k$. If $a_i$ is the image of $T_i$, the quotient map is evaluation at $a=(a_1,\dots ,a_n)$ and its kernel is $(T_1-a_1,\dots ,T_n-a_n)$. This proves the assertion.

Write the finitely generated algebra asBy the Weak Hilbert Nullstellensatz, $\mathbb{C}$-algebra homomorphisms $A\to \mathbb{C}$ correspond exactly to the points of the affine algebraic set $V(I)$.

If $V(I)$ is finite, its cardinality is finite. If it is infinite, the complex affine algebraic set cardinality dichotomy giveswhich is uncountable. This also covers the zero algebra, whose homomorphism set is empty. Therefore

If a field $L$ is finitely generated as an algebra over a subfield $k$, then $L$ is a finite algebraic extension of $k$. Applying this to a residue field of a polynomial ring proves the Weak Hilbert Nullstellensatz.