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✓ 10 results · all verified · 2 also independently AI-judged
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Localisation of Modules and Support Examples

1 · Prerequisites

2 · Summary

3 · Logical flowchart

4 · Definitions, theorems and proofs

None yet.

5 · Examples, counterexamples and false statements

ExampleConstruction: Literature-sourcedVerification: AI-adaptedprecheck passaudited 2026-08-26Open item page →

Localising cyclic abelian groups and Q/Z at a prime

Example

Fix a prime number p and let R=Z. Then Z(p) is the localisation of Z at the prime ideal (p). For a natural number n=pam with (m,p)=1, (Z/nZ)(p)≅{0,a=0,Z/paZ,a>0. Moreover (Q/Z)(p) is exactly the p-primary torsion subgroup of Q/Z.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A prime number p, the local ring Z(p), and a natural number n=pam with (m,p)=1.

[L1]

Localisation of a module is tensoring with the localised ring (Localisation of modules is extension of scalars).

[L2]

For a commutative ring A, A⊗ZZ/nZ≅A/nA (M⊗RR/I≅M/IM naturally).

[L3]

In Z(p), the units are exactly the fractions whose numerator is not divisible by p (Rp is local with unique maximal ideal pRp).

[L4]

A localised fraction is zero exactly when one denominator kills its numerator (A localised module fraction is zero exactly when one denominator kills its numerator).

Verification

technique · direct
1.1L1L2

By [L1] and [L2], (Z/nZ)(p)≅Z(p)⊗ZZ/nZ≅Z(p)/nZ(p).

2.1step 1.1L3

If a=0, then p∤n, so n/1 is a unit in Z(p) by [L3]. Hence nZ(p)=Z(p), and step 1.1 gives (Z/nZ)(p)=0.

2.2step 1.1L3algebra

If a>0, write n=pam with (m,p)=1. Then m/1 is a unit in Z(p), so nZ(p)=paZ(p). Reduction modulo pa identifies Z(p)/paZ(p) with Z/paZ, so step 1.1 gives (Z/nZ)(p)≅Z/paZ.

3.1L4algebra∎

For a class q+Z∈Q/Z, if some integer prime to p kills it then [L4] makes it zero in the localisation; this happens exactly for the torsion of order prime to p. On the other hand a class of order pr cannot be killed by any denominator outside (p), so it survives. Therefore (Q/Z)(p) is exactly the p-primary torsion subgroup.

ExampleConstruction: AI-generatedVerification: AI-adaptedprecheck passaudited 2026-08-26Open item page →

Localising Z/12Z kills exactly the torsion seen by the denominator set

Example

Let M=Z/12Z. If S2={2n:n∈N} and S3={3n:n∈N}, then ker⁡(M→S2−1M)={[0],[3],[6],[9]},ker⁡(M→S3−1M)={[0],[4],[8]}. So localisation kills exactly the torsion detected by the chosen denominator set.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: The module M=Z/12Z and the multiplicative sets S2={2n:n∈N} and S3={3n:n∈N}.

[L1]

A fraction in a localised module is zero exactly when one denominator kills its numerator (A localised module fraction is zero exactly when one denominator kills its numerator).

[L2]

Elements of S−1M are fractions m/s with s∈S (Localisation of a module at a multiplicative subset).

Verification

technique · direct
1.1L1algebra

By [L1], [a]∈ker⁡(M→S2−1M) exactly when 2r[a]=0 in Z/12Z for some r≥0. This happens for [0],[3],[6],[9], and for no other class, because 12∣2ra is possible exactly when the odd part of a is divisible by 3.

1.2L1algebra

Likewise, [a]∈ker⁡(M→S3−1M) exactly when 3r[a]=0 for some r≥0. This happens for [0],[4],[8], and for no other class, because 12∣3ra is possible exactly when the 2-primary part of a is divisible by 4.

2.1step 1.1step 1.2L2∎

Steps 1.1 and 1.2 give the two kernels, and [L2] interprets them as the elements killed by the respective localisation maps.

ExampleConstruction: AI-generatedVerification: AI-adaptedprecheck passjudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-08-26Open item page →

The support of Z/12Z is the pair of primes (2) and (3)

Example

As a Z-module, Supp⁡Z(Z/12Z)={(2),(3)}.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: The Z-module Z/12Z.

[L1]

The support of R/I is the set of prime ideals containing I (The support of a cyclic quotient is its vanishing set).

[L2]

The support of a module is a set of prime ideals (Support of a module).

Verification

technique · direct
1.1L1algebra

Apply [L1] with R=Z and I=(12). A prime ideal of Z contains (12) exactly when its prime generator divides 12, so the only such prime ideals are (2) and (3).

2.1step 1.1L2∎

Therefore Supp⁡Z(Z/12Z)={(2),(3)}, as claimed.

ExampleConstruction: AI-generatedVerification: AI-adaptedprecheck passaudited 2026-08-26Open item page →

The support of the direct sum over all primes of Z/pZ is the set of all nonzero prime ideals of Z

Example

Let M=⨁p primeZ/pZ. Then Supp⁡Z(M)={(p):p prime}, the set of all nonzero prime ideals of Z.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: The Z-module M=⨁p primeZ/pZ.

[L1]

The support of an arbitrary direct sum is the union of the supports of the summands (Support of an arbitrary direct sum is the union of the supports).

[L2]

The support of Z/pZ is exactly {(p)} (The support of a cyclic quotient is its vanishing set).

Verification

technique · direct
1.1L1

By [L1], Supp⁡Z(M)=⋃pSupp⁡Z(Z/pZ).

2.1step 1.1L2

Each summand contributes exactly the singleton {(p)} by [L2], so the union in step 1.1 is the set of all nonzero prime ideals of Z.

3.1step 2.1∎

Hence Supp⁡Z(M)={(p):p prime}.

ExampleConstruction: Literature-sourcedVerification: Literature-sourcedprecheck passaudited 2026-08-26Open item page →

Over Z, the ideal (2) acts surjectively on Z/3Z but does not kill it

Example

Take R=Z, I=(2), and M=Z/3Z. Then IM=M but M≠0, and I⊈J(R). So Nakayama's conclusion fails if the Jacobson-radical hypothesis is removed.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: The ring R=Z, the ideal I=(2), and the R-module M=Z/3Z.

[L1]

The Jacobson radical is the intersection of the maximal ideals (The Jacobson radical of a ring).

[L2]
[L3]

In Z/3Z, multiplication by 2 is a bijection because [2]3[2]3=[1]3 (For every natural n, (Z/n,+) is an abelian group, multiplication is a commutative monoid operation, and both distributive laws hold).

Verification

technique · direct
1.1L2L3

By [L3], every class in Z/3Z is 2 times another class, so IM=M.

1.2L1L3algebra

The module M is nonzero because [1]3≠[0]3. Moreover 2∉J(Z) because 2∉(3), while (3) is a maximal ideal of Z and [L1] makes J(Z) lie in every maximal ideal.

2.1step 1.1step 1.2∎

Thus IM=M and M≠0 hold with I⊈J(R), exactly exhibiting why the Jacobson-radical hypothesis cannot be dropped.

ExampleConstruction: AI-adaptedVerification: AI-adaptedprecheck passaudited 2026-08-26Open item page →

The p-primary quotient Q/Z_(p) over Z_(p) shows finite generation is essential in Nakayama

Example

Fix a prime number p and let R=Z(p). The R-module M=Q/Z(p) satisfies pM=M but M≠0, so Nakayama's lemma fails without finite generation.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A prime number p, the local ring R=Z(p), and the R-module M=Q/Z(p).

Verification

technique · direct
1.1L1

The class of 1/p is nonzero in Q/Z(p), because 1/p∉Z(p). Hence M≠0.

1.2L1algebra

Every element of M has the form q+Z(p) with q∈Q. Then p(q/p+Z(p))=q+Z(p), so multiplication by p is surjective and therefore pM=M.

1.3L1algebra

The module M is not finitely generated. If classes q1+Z(p),…,qr+Z(p) generated M, choose N so that every qi has denominator dividing pN modulo Z(p). Then every generated class would also have denominator dividing pN, but 1/pN+1+Z(p) would not lie in that span.

2.1step 1.1step 1.2step 1.3∎

So pM=M and M≠0 hold for a module that is not finitely generated, exactly showing why the finite-generation hypothesis is essential.

ExampleConstruction: Literature-sourcedVerification: Literature-sourcedprecheck passjudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-08-26Open item page →

The ideal (x,y) in k[x,y]_(x,y) has two minimal generators

Example

Let k be a field, let R=k[x,y](x,y) with maximal ideal m=(x,y)R, and let M=m. Then x and y form a minimal generating set of M, so M needs exactly two generators.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A field k, the local ring R=k[x,y](x,y), its maximal ideal m=(x,y)R, and the module M=m.

[L1]

Because k is a field, the ideal (x,y)⊆k[x,y] is prime, so the localisation k[x,y](x,y) is local with residue field k (Localisation at a prime ideal: Rp=(R∖p)−1R, Rp is local with unique maximal ideal pRp, Rp/pRp≅Frac⁡(R/p) is the residue field at p).

Verification

technique · direct
1.1L1algebra

In M/mM=m/m2, the classes of x and y are nonzero and linearly independent over the residue field k, because every element of m2 has total degree at least 2.

1.2L1algebra

Those same classes span m/m2, since every element of m has image given by its linear part ax+by modulo m2.

2.1L1step 1.1step 1.2∎

By definition, m=(x,y)R, so x and y generate M. If a single element generated M, then its image would generate M/mM, contradicting steps 1.1 and 1.2. Hence {x,y} is a minimal generating set of m.

ExampleConstruction: AI-generatedVerification: AI-adaptedprecheck passaudited 2026-08-26Open item page →

Assuming the Axiom of Choice, the Chinese-remainder map Z/6Z -> Z/2Z direct-sum Z/3Z is an isomorphism by local tests

Example

Assume the Axiom of Choice.

Consider the Z-module homomorphism ϕ:Z/6Z⟶Z/2Z⊕Z/3Z,[a]6⟼([a]2,[a]3). This map is an isomorphism because every prime localisation of ϕ is an isomorphism.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: The Z-module homomorphism ϕ:Z/6Z→Z/2Z⊕Z/3Z, [a]6↦([a]2,[a]3).

[L1]

A module homomorphism is an isomorphism exactly when all of its prime localisations are isomorphisms (Assuming the Axiom of Choice, local criteria for zero modules and for injective, surjective, and bijective maps).

Verification

technique · direct
1.1L2algebra

At the prime (2), the localisation of Z/6Z is Z/2Z, while the localisation of Z/2Z⊕Z/3Z is Z/2Z⊕0, because 3 becomes a unit. The localised map is therefore the identity on the surviving Z/2Z summand.

1.2L2algebra

At the prime (3), the same computation gives the identity Z/3Z→0⊕Z/3Z.

1.3L2algebra

At every other prime (q), both Z/6Z and Z/2Z⊕Z/3Z localise to 0 because both 2 and 3 become units.

2.1L1step 1.1step 1.2step 1.3∎

Steps 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3 show that every prime localisation of ϕ is an isomorphism, so [L1] gives that ϕ is an isomorphism.

ExampleConstruction: Literature-sourcedVerification: AI-adaptedprecheck passaudited 2026-08-26Open item page →

Localised Hom can fail without finite presentation of the source

Example

Fix a prime number p, let S={pn:n∈N}, let M=⨁n≥0Zen, and let N=Z. The source M is not finitely presented, and the natural map S−1 ⁣Hom⁡Z(M,N)⟶Hom⁡Z[1/p](S−1M,S−1N) is not surjective.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A prime number p, the multiplicative set S={pn:n∈N}, the free Z-module M=⨁n≥0Zen, and the target module N=Z.

[L1]

The finite-presentation theorem gives an isomorphism only under finite-presentation hypotheses on the source (Localisation of Hom for finite and finitely presented modules).

[L2]

Localisation commutes with direct sums, so S−1M≅⨁n≥0Z[1/p]en (Localisation commutes with quotient modules and arbitrary direct sums).

[L3]

A homomorphism out of a direct sum is determined by its values on the coordinate inclusions (Universal property of a direct sum of modules, The direct sum of an indexed family of modules).

Verification

technique · direct
1.1L3algebra

The module M is free on countably many generators, so it is not finitely generated and therefore not finitely presented.

1.2L2L3construct

By [L2] and [L3], there is a Z[1/p]-linear map φ:S−1M→Z[1/p] with φ(en)=1/pn for every n≥0.

2.1step 1.2algebra

Suppose φ were in the image of the localisation-of-Hom map. Then there would be a homomorphism f:M→Z and an integer r≥0 such that φ(en)=f(en)/pr for every n. Taking n>r gives f(en)=pr−n, impossible in Z. Therefore φ is not in the image.

3.1L1step 1.1step 2.1∎

So the localisation-of-Hom map fails to be surjective for this non-finitely-presented source, exactly as warned by [L1].

ExampleConstruction: Literature-sourcedVerification: AI-adaptedprecheck passaudited 2026-08-26Open item page →

Localisation need not commute with infinite products

Example

Fix a prime number p, let S={pn:n∈N}, and let P=∏n≥0Z. Then the natural map S−1P⟶∏n≥0S−1Z=∏n≥0Z[1/p] is not surjective. So localisation need not commute with infinite products.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A prime number p, the multiplicative set S={pn:n∈N}, and the product module P=∏n≥0Z.

[L1]

Localisation commutes with arbitrary direct sums, but no corresponding product statement has been proved (Localisation commutes with quotient modules and arbitrary direct sums).

[L2]

An element of a localisation S−1P has one common denominator for all coordinates, because it is represented by a single fraction x/s (Localisation of a module at a multiplicative subset).

Verification

technique · direct
1.1given

The family y=(1,1/p,1/p2,… ) is an element of ∏n≥0Z[1/p].

1.2L2algebra

Suppose y came from an element of S−1P. By [L2], it would have the form (a0,a1,… )/pr for some fixed r≥0 and integers an. Then the nth coordinate equation an/pr=1/pn would force an=pr−n in Z for every n>r, impossible.

2.1L1step 1.1step 1.2∎

Therefore the displayed map is not surjective, so localisation does not commute with this infinite product. The contrast with [L1] is exactly the point of the example.

Sources