$mathcal{Nil}_n$ isomorphic to $h^A$ with $A=mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)$












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$begingroup$


I would like to see that $texttt{Nil}_n$ is isomorphic to $h^{mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)}$ as categories.



$texttt{Nil}_n: texttt{Rings} longrightarrow texttt{Sets}$ is the functor that sends a ring $R$ to ${x in R | x^n = 0}$.



$h^{mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)}: texttt{Mod}_R longrightarrow texttt{Mod}_R$ is the functor where $mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)$ is an $R$-module and it sends an $R$-module $N$ to $Hom(mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n),N)$.



I know that two categories are isomorphic if when there exists two functors as above, they satisfy also the above conditions.



I want to see that if there exists two functors $F: texttt{Nil}_n longrightarrow h^{mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)}$ and $G: h^{mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)} longrightarrow texttt{Nil}_n$, then $FG=id_{h^{mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)}}$ and $GF=id_{texttt{Nil}_n}$.



But my problem comes when I have to find / see which are these functors. Does $F$ and $G$ even exist? How can I find them? Are they known functors?



I want to see that in order to see that $texttt{Nil}_n$ is represented by the ring $h^{mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)}$ and the natural equivalence



$tau: h^{mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)} longrightarrow texttt{Nil}_n$



given (for each ring $R$) by



$tau_R: h^{mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)}(R) longrightarrow texttt{Nil}_n(R): f ↦ f(bar{x})$.



I was thinking on first showing that $texttt{Nil}_n$ and $h^{mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)}$ are isomorphic and then showing that there exists a natural iso $mu: h^{mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)} longrightarrow texttt{Nil}_n$ determined by $mu_{mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)}(Id_{mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)})$ and it is equal to $tau$.










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$endgroup$








  • 2




    $begingroup$
    You are asking for two functors to be isomorphic as categories, which doesn't make sense. They're not categories! Furthermore, you definitely don't want to consider $R$-module maps out of $Z[x]/x^n$ here-those have nothing to do with nilpotents. You should probably be showing that the representables associates to $Z[x]/x^n$ and $Nil_n$ are naturally isomorphic functors from rings to sets.
    $endgroup$
    – Kevin Carlson
    Dec 22 '18 at 16:03










  • $begingroup$
    And how can I check if two functors are isomorphic?
    $endgroup$
    – idriskameni
    Dec 22 '18 at 18:53










  • $begingroup$
    You've already given the natural map $tau$. Now you just need to show $tau_R$ is an isomorphism for every $R$.
    $endgroup$
    – Kevin Carlson
    Dec 22 '18 at 19:29
















1












$begingroup$


I would like to see that $texttt{Nil}_n$ is isomorphic to $h^{mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)}$ as categories.



$texttt{Nil}_n: texttt{Rings} longrightarrow texttt{Sets}$ is the functor that sends a ring $R$ to ${x in R | x^n = 0}$.



$h^{mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)}: texttt{Mod}_R longrightarrow texttt{Mod}_R$ is the functor where $mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)$ is an $R$-module and it sends an $R$-module $N$ to $Hom(mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n),N)$.



I know that two categories are isomorphic if when there exists two functors as above, they satisfy also the above conditions.



I want to see that if there exists two functors $F: texttt{Nil}_n longrightarrow h^{mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)}$ and $G: h^{mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)} longrightarrow texttt{Nil}_n$, then $FG=id_{h^{mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)}}$ and $GF=id_{texttt{Nil}_n}$.



But my problem comes when I have to find / see which are these functors. Does $F$ and $G$ even exist? How can I find them? Are they known functors?



I want to see that in order to see that $texttt{Nil}_n$ is represented by the ring $h^{mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)}$ and the natural equivalence



$tau: h^{mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)} longrightarrow texttt{Nil}_n$



given (for each ring $R$) by



$tau_R: h^{mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)}(R) longrightarrow texttt{Nil}_n(R): f ↦ f(bar{x})$.



I was thinking on first showing that $texttt{Nil}_n$ and $h^{mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)}$ are isomorphic and then showing that there exists a natural iso $mu: h^{mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)} longrightarrow texttt{Nil}_n$ determined by $mu_{mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)}(Id_{mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)})$ and it is equal to $tau$.










share|cite|improve this question











$endgroup$








  • 2




    $begingroup$
    You are asking for two functors to be isomorphic as categories, which doesn't make sense. They're not categories! Furthermore, you definitely don't want to consider $R$-module maps out of $Z[x]/x^n$ here-those have nothing to do with nilpotents. You should probably be showing that the representables associates to $Z[x]/x^n$ and $Nil_n$ are naturally isomorphic functors from rings to sets.
    $endgroup$
    – Kevin Carlson
    Dec 22 '18 at 16:03










  • $begingroup$
    And how can I check if two functors are isomorphic?
    $endgroup$
    – idriskameni
    Dec 22 '18 at 18:53










  • $begingroup$
    You've already given the natural map $tau$. Now you just need to show $tau_R$ is an isomorphism for every $R$.
    $endgroup$
    – Kevin Carlson
    Dec 22 '18 at 19:29














1












1








1





$begingroup$


I would like to see that $texttt{Nil}_n$ is isomorphic to $h^{mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)}$ as categories.



$texttt{Nil}_n: texttt{Rings} longrightarrow texttt{Sets}$ is the functor that sends a ring $R$ to ${x in R | x^n = 0}$.



$h^{mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)}: texttt{Mod}_R longrightarrow texttt{Mod}_R$ is the functor where $mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)$ is an $R$-module and it sends an $R$-module $N$ to $Hom(mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n),N)$.



I know that two categories are isomorphic if when there exists two functors as above, they satisfy also the above conditions.



I want to see that if there exists two functors $F: texttt{Nil}_n longrightarrow h^{mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)}$ and $G: h^{mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)} longrightarrow texttt{Nil}_n$, then $FG=id_{h^{mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)}}$ and $GF=id_{texttt{Nil}_n}$.



But my problem comes when I have to find / see which are these functors. Does $F$ and $G$ even exist? How can I find them? Are they known functors?



I want to see that in order to see that $texttt{Nil}_n$ is represented by the ring $h^{mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)}$ and the natural equivalence



$tau: h^{mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)} longrightarrow texttt{Nil}_n$



given (for each ring $R$) by



$tau_R: h^{mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)}(R) longrightarrow texttt{Nil}_n(R): f ↦ f(bar{x})$.



I was thinking on first showing that $texttt{Nil}_n$ and $h^{mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)}$ are isomorphic and then showing that there exists a natural iso $mu: h^{mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)} longrightarrow texttt{Nil}_n$ determined by $mu_{mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)}(Id_{mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)})$ and it is equal to $tau$.










share|cite|improve this question











$endgroup$




I would like to see that $texttt{Nil}_n$ is isomorphic to $h^{mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)}$ as categories.



$texttt{Nil}_n: texttt{Rings} longrightarrow texttt{Sets}$ is the functor that sends a ring $R$ to ${x in R | x^n = 0}$.



$h^{mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)}: texttt{Mod}_R longrightarrow texttt{Mod}_R$ is the functor where $mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)$ is an $R$-module and it sends an $R$-module $N$ to $Hom(mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n),N)$.



I know that two categories are isomorphic if when there exists two functors as above, they satisfy also the above conditions.



I want to see that if there exists two functors $F: texttt{Nil}_n longrightarrow h^{mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)}$ and $G: h^{mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)} longrightarrow texttt{Nil}_n$, then $FG=id_{h^{mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)}}$ and $GF=id_{texttt{Nil}_n}$.



But my problem comes when I have to find / see which are these functors. Does $F$ and $G$ even exist? How can I find them? Are they known functors?



I want to see that in order to see that $texttt{Nil}_n$ is represented by the ring $h^{mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)}$ and the natural equivalence



$tau: h^{mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)} longrightarrow texttt{Nil}_n$



given (for each ring $R$) by



$tau_R: h^{mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)}(R) longrightarrow texttt{Nil}_n(R): f ↦ f(bar{x})$.



I was thinking on first showing that $texttt{Nil}_n$ and $h^{mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)}$ are isomorphic and then showing that there exists a natural iso $mu: h^{mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)} longrightarrow texttt{Nil}_n$ determined by $mu_{mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)}(Id_{mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)})$ and it is equal to $tau$.







abstract-algebra commutative-algebra category-theory functors






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edited Dec 22 '18 at 15:28







idriskameni

















asked Dec 22 '18 at 15:19









idriskameniidriskameni

749321




749321








  • 2




    $begingroup$
    You are asking for two functors to be isomorphic as categories, which doesn't make sense. They're not categories! Furthermore, you definitely don't want to consider $R$-module maps out of $Z[x]/x^n$ here-those have nothing to do with nilpotents. You should probably be showing that the representables associates to $Z[x]/x^n$ and $Nil_n$ are naturally isomorphic functors from rings to sets.
    $endgroup$
    – Kevin Carlson
    Dec 22 '18 at 16:03










  • $begingroup$
    And how can I check if two functors are isomorphic?
    $endgroup$
    – idriskameni
    Dec 22 '18 at 18:53










  • $begingroup$
    You've already given the natural map $tau$. Now you just need to show $tau_R$ is an isomorphism for every $R$.
    $endgroup$
    – Kevin Carlson
    Dec 22 '18 at 19:29














  • 2




    $begingroup$
    You are asking for two functors to be isomorphic as categories, which doesn't make sense. They're not categories! Furthermore, you definitely don't want to consider $R$-module maps out of $Z[x]/x^n$ here-those have nothing to do with nilpotents. You should probably be showing that the representables associates to $Z[x]/x^n$ and $Nil_n$ are naturally isomorphic functors from rings to sets.
    $endgroup$
    – Kevin Carlson
    Dec 22 '18 at 16:03










  • $begingroup$
    And how can I check if two functors are isomorphic?
    $endgroup$
    – idriskameni
    Dec 22 '18 at 18:53










  • $begingroup$
    You've already given the natural map $tau$. Now you just need to show $tau_R$ is an isomorphism for every $R$.
    $endgroup$
    – Kevin Carlson
    Dec 22 '18 at 19:29








2




2




$begingroup$
You are asking for two functors to be isomorphic as categories, which doesn't make sense. They're not categories! Furthermore, you definitely don't want to consider $R$-module maps out of $Z[x]/x^n$ here-those have nothing to do with nilpotents. You should probably be showing that the representables associates to $Z[x]/x^n$ and $Nil_n$ are naturally isomorphic functors from rings to sets.
$endgroup$
– Kevin Carlson
Dec 22 '18 at 16:03




$begingroup$
You are asking for two functors to be isomorphic as categories, which doesn't make sense. They're not categories! Furthermore, you definitely don't want to consider $R$-module maps out of $Z[x]/x^n$ here-those have nothing to do with nilpotents. You should probably be showing that the representables associates to $Z[x]/x^n$ and $Nil_n$ are naturally isomorphic functors from rings to sets.
$endgroup$
– Kevin Carlson
Dec 22 '18 at 16:03












$begingroup$
And how can I check if two functors are isomorphic?
$endgroup$
– idriskameni
Dec 22 '18 at 18:53




$begingroup$
And how can I check if two functors are isomorphic?
$endgroup$
– idriskameni
Dec 22 '18 at 18:53












$begingroup$
You've already given the natural map $tau$. Now you just need to show $tau_R$ is an isomorphism for every $R$.
$endgroup$
– Kevin Carlson
Dec 22 '18 at 19:29




$begingroup$
You've already given the natural map $tau$. Now you just need to show $tau_R$ is an isomorphism for every $R$.
$endgroup$
– Kevin Carlson
Dec 22 '18 at 19:29










2 Answers
2






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Ok, several problems. As Kevin Carlson points out in the comments, $newcommandNil{operatorname{Nil}}Nil_n$ and (if we define $A=Bbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)$) $h^A$ are functors, not categories.



Thus we need to show that they are isomorphic as functors.



Isomorphisms of functors



Recall, then, the definition of natural transformation, which is the notion of a morphism between functors. Let $F,G:Cto D$ be functors from a category $C$ to a category $D$. Then a natural transformation $theta: Fto G$ is a family of maps, $theta_x: F(x)to G(x)$ for each $xin C$ satisfying the following commutative diagram for every morphism $f:xto y$ in $C$:
$$require{AMScd}begin{CD}F(x) @>F(f)>> F(y) \ @Vtheta_xVV @Vtheta_yVV\G(x) @>>G(f)> G(y) end{CD}$$



An isomorphism of functors (usually called a natural isomorphism) then is a natural transformation all of whose components are isomorphisms. (Check that this is equivalent to the natural transformation having an inverse natural transformation)



How to apply this to your question



First of all, you have the domains and codomains of your functors wrong. Well $Nil_n$ is correct. It is a functor from $newcommandRing{mathbf{Ring}}newcommandSet{mathbf{Set}}Ring$ to $Set$, but $h^A(R)=newcommandHom{operatorname{Hom}}Hom_Ring(A,R)$ is actually also a functor from $Ring$ to $Set$, not from right $R$-modules to right $R$-modules.



Thus you want to find a family of maps for every ring $RinRing$, $tau_R:h^A(R)to Nil_n(R)$ with $tau_R$ an isomorphism of sets (i.e. a bijection) for every ring $R$.
You should also check that $tau_R$ is natural. I.e. that the following diagram commutes for every map $phi :Rto S$ of rings:
$$begin{CD}h^A(R) @>h^A(phi)>> h^A(S) \ @Vtau_RVV @Vtau_SVV\Nil_n(R) @>>Nil_n(phi)> Nil_n(S) end{CD}$$



Note: I've used $tau_R$, because you've already identified the correct family of maps $tau_R$ in your question, you just have to prove it has the right properties.



Edit: In response to your comment asking how is $tau_R$ defined exactly.



Well, as you mentioned, the elements of $h^A(R)$ are ring homomorphisms $f:Ato R$, and the elements of $Nil_n(R)$ are elements $r$ of $R$ with $r^n=0$. Thus $tau_R$ should take ring homomorphisms $f:Ato R$ and produce appropriate elements of $R$.



Well, $A=Bbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)$, so let $bar{x}$ be the image of $xin Bbb{Z}[x]$ in the quotient, $A$. Then if $f:Ato R$ is a ring homomorphism, $r=f(bar{x})$ is an element of $R$, and moreover, $r^n=f(bar{x})^n=f(bar{x}^n)=f(0)=0$, so $r$ is in $Nil_n(R)$.






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    $begingroup$
    To the downvoter: I don't particularly care about the rep, but if you think there's something wrong with my answer, please leave a comment, and I'll try to address it.
    $endgroup$
    – jgon
    Dec 23 '18 at 14:48










  • $begingroup$
    Thank you very much. I do understand what you say. But I have a hard problem trying to understand what $tau_R$ does. Because I know that elements in $h^A(R)$ are ring homomorphisms from $A=mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)$ to $R$. And elements in $Nil_n(R)$ are elements in $R$ that are zero when we take the $n$-th power. But how can you map $f mapsto f(overline{x})$?I do not understand what that means. Any help?
    $endgroup$
    – idriskameni
    Dec 28 '18 at 18:11








  • 1




    $begingroup$
    @idriskameni edited.
    $endgroup$
    – jgon
    Dec 28 '18 at 19:52










  • $begingroup$
    Could you tell me if this would be correct to check commutativity? Let $hin h^A(R)$. Then $(tau_S circ h^A(f))(h)=tau_S(h^A(f)(h))=tau_S(fcirc h)=( fcirc h)(overline{x})$. On the other hand, $(Nil_n(f) circ tau_R)(h)=Nil_n(f)(tau_R(h))= Nil_n(f)(h(overline{x}))= f(h(overline{x}))=(fcirc h)(overline{x})$. Hence, $tau_S circ h^A(f)=Nil_n(f) circ tau_R$.
    $endgroup$
    – idriskameni
    Dec 30 '18 at 16:14






  • 1




    $begingroup$
    @idriskameni Sorry, didn't see these till now, commutativity looks good, I'll edit to address bijectivity later, since I've got to head out now.
    $endgroup$
    – jgon
    Dec 31 '18 at 17:13



















0












$begingroup$

Hint: there is a universal property of $mathbb Z[x]$ as the free ring on one generator. This means there is a functorial identifcation $$Hom_{Rings}(mathbb Z[x], R) = Hom_{Sets}({x},R) = {xin R} = R$$



Now describe this equality in terms of an isomorphism of functors and adapt the proof to your situation. (Yes the functors natural transformations exist and are well known.)






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    6












    $begingroup$

    Ok, several problems. As Kevin Carlson points out in the comments, $newcommandNil{operatorname{Nil}}Nil_n$ and (if we define $A=Bbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)$) $h^A$ are functors, not categories.



    Thus we need to show that they are isomorphic as functors.



    Isomorphisms of functors



    Recall, then, the definition of natural transformation, which is the notion of a morphism between functors. Let $F,G:Cto D$ be functors from a category $C$ to a category $D$. Then a natural transformation $theta: Fto G$ is a family of maps, $theta_x: F(x)to G(x)$ for each $xin C$ satisfying the following commutative diagram for every morphism $f:xto y$ in $C$:
    $$require{AMScd}begin{CD}F(x) @>F(f)>> F(y) \ @Vtheta_xVV @Vtheta_yVV\G(x) @>>G(f)> G(y) end{CD}$$



    An isomorphism of functors (usually called a natural isomorphism) then is a natural transformation all of whose components are isomorphisms. (Check that this is equivalent to the natural transformation having an inverse natural transformation)



    How to apply this to your question



    First of all, you have the domains and codomains of your functors wrong. Well $Nil_n$ is correct. It is a functor from $newcommandRing{mathbf{Ring}}newcommandSet{mathbf{Set}}Ring$ to $Set$, but $h^A(R)=newcommandHom{operatorname{Hom}}Hom_Ring(A,R)$ is actually also a functor from $Ring$ to $Set$, not from right $R$-modules to right $R$-modules.



    Thus you want to find a family of maps for every ring $RinRing$, $tau_R:h^A(R)to Nil_n(R)$ with $tau_R$ an isomorphism of sets (i.e. a bijection) for every ring $R$.
    You should also check that $tau_R$ is natural. I.e. that the following diagram commutes for every map $phi :Rto S$ of rings:
    $$begin{CD}h^A(R) @>h^A(phi)>> h^A(S) \ @Vtau_RVV @Vtau_SVV\Nil_n(R) @>>Nil_n(phi)> Nil_n(S) end{CD}$$



    Note: I've used $tau_R$, because you've already identified the correct family of maps $tau_R$ in your question, you just have to prove it has the right properties.



    Edit: In response to your comment asking how is $tau_R$ defined exactly.



    Well, as you mentioned, the elements of $h^A(R)$ are ring homomorphisms $f:Ato R$, and the elements of $Nil_n(R)$ are elements $r$ of $R$ with $r^n=0$. Thus $tau_R$ should take ring homomorphisms $f:Ato R$ and produce appropriate elements of $R$.



    Well, $A=Bbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)$, so let $bar{x}$ be the image of $xin Bbb{Z}[x]$ in the quotient, $A$. Then if $f:Ato R$ is a ring homomorphism, $r=f(bar{x})$ is an element of $R$, and moreover, $r^n=f(bar{x})^n=f(bar{x}^n)=f(0)=0$, so $r$ is in $Nil_n(R)$.






    share|cite|improve this answer











    $endgroup$









    • 3




      $begingroup$
      To the downvoter: I don't particularly care about the rep, but if you think there's something wrong with my answer, please leave a comment, and I'll try to address it.
      $endgroup$
      – jgon
      Dec 23 '18 at 14:48










    • $begingroup$
      Thank you very much. I do understand what you say. But I have a hard problem trying to understand what $tau_R$ does. Because I know that elements in $h^A(R)$ are ring homomorphisms from $A=mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)$ to $R$. And elements in $Nil_n(R)$ are elements in $R$ that are zero when we take the $n$-th power. But how can you map $f mapsto f(overline{x})$?I do not understand what that means. Any help?
      $endgroup$
      – idriskameni
      Dec 28 '18 at 18:11








    • 1




      $begingroup$
      @idriskameni edited.
      $endgroup$
      – jgon
      Dec 28 '18 at 19:52










    • $begingroup$
      Could you tell me if this would be correct to check commutativity? Let $hin h^A(R)$. Then $(tau_S circ h^A(f))(h)=tau_S(h^A(f)(h))=tau_S(fcirc h)=( fcirc h)(overline{x})$. On the other hand, $(Nil_n(f) circ tau_R)(h)=Nil_n(f)(tau_R(h))= Nil_n(f)(h(overline{x}))= f(h(overline{x}))=(fcirc h)(overline{x})$. Hence, $tau_S circ h^A(f)=Nil_n(f) circ tau_R$.
      $endgroup$
      – idriskameni
      Dec 30 '18 at 16:14






    • 1




      $begingroup$
      @idriskameni Sorry, didn't see these till now, commutativity looks good, I'll edit to address bijectivity later, since I've got to head out now.
      $endgroup$
      – jgon
      Dec 31 '18 at 17:13
















    6












    $begingroup$

    Ok, several problems. As Kevin Carlson points out in the comments, $newcommandNil{operatorname{Nil}}Nil_n$ and (if we define $A=Bbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)$) $h^A$ are functors, not categories.



    Thus we need to show that they are isomorphic as functors.



    Isomorphisms of functors



    Recall, then, the definition of natural transformation, which is the notion of a morphism between functors. Let $F,G:Cto D$ be functors from a category $C$ to a category $D$. Then a natural transformation $theta: Fto G$ is a family of maps, $theta_x: F(x)to G(x)$ for each $xin C$ satisfying the following commutative diagram for every morphism $f:xto y$ in $C$:
    $$require{AMScd}begin{CD}F(x) @>F(f)>> F(y) \ @Vtheta_xVV @Vtheta_yVV\G(x) @>>G(f)> G(y) end{CD}$$



    An isomorphism of functors (usually called a natural isomorphism) then is a natural transformation all of whose components are isomorphisms. (Check that this is equivalent to the natural transformation having an inverse natural transformation)



    How to apply this to your question



    First of all, you have the domains and codomains of your functors wrong. Well $Nil_n$ is correct. It is a functor from $newcommandRing{mathbf{Ring}}newcommandSet{mathbf{Set}}Ring$ to $Set$, but $h^A(R)=newcommandHom{operatorname{Hom}}Hom_Ring(A,R)$ is actually also a functor from $Ring$ to $Set$, not from right $R$-modules to right $R$-modules.



    Thus you want to find a family of maps for every ring $RinRing$, $tau_R:h^A(R)to Nil_n(R)$ with $tau_R$ an isomorphism of sets (i.e. a bijection) for every ring $R$.
    You should also check that $tau_R$ is natural. I.e. that the following diagram commutes for every map $phi :Rto S$ of rings:
    $$begin{CD}h^A(R) @>h^A(phi)>> h^A(S) \ @Vtau_RVV @Vtau_SVV\Nil_n(R) @>>Nil_n(phi)> Nil_n(S) end{CD}$$



    Note: I've used $tau_R$, because you've already identified the correct family of maps $tau_R$ in your question, you just have to prove it has the right properties.



    Edit: In response to your comment asking how is $tau_R$ defined exactly.



    Well, as you mentioned, the elements of $h^A(R)$ are ring homomorphisms $f:Ato R$, and the elements of $Nil_n(R)$ are elements $r$ of $R$ with $r^n=0$. Thus $tau_R$ should take ring homomorphisms $f:Ato R$ and produce appropriate elements of $R$.



    Well, $A=Bbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)$, so let $bar{x}$ be the image of $xin Bbb{Z}[x]$ in the quotient, $A$. Then if $f:Ato R$ is a ring homomorphism, $r=f(bar{x})$ is an element of $R$, and moreover, $r^n=f(bar{x})^n=f(bar{x}^n)=f(0)=0$, so $r$ is in $Nil_n(R)$.






    share|cite|improve this answer











    $endgroup$









    • 3




      $begingroup$
      To the downvoter: I don't particularly care about the rep, but if you think there's something wrong with my answer, please leave a comment, and I'll try to address it.
      $endgroup$
      – jgon
      Dec 23 '18 at 14:48










    • $begingroup$
      Thank you very much. I do understand what you say. But I have a hard problem trying to understand what $tau_R$ does. Because I know that elements in $h^A(R)$ are ring homomorphisms from $A=mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)$ to $R$. And elements in $Nil_n(R)$ are elements in $R$ that are zero when we take the $n$-th power. But how can you map $f mapsto f(overline{x})$?I do not understand what that means. Any help?
      $endgroup$
      – idriskameni
      Dec 28 '18 at 18:11








    • 1




      $begingroup$
      @idriskameni edited.
      $endgroup$
      – jgon
      Dec 28 '18 at 19:52










    • $begingroup$
      Could you tell me if this would be correct to check commutativity? Let $hin h^A(R)$. Then $(tau_S circ h^A(f))(h)=tau_S(h^A(f)(h))=tau_S(fcirc h)=( fcirc h)(overline{x})$. On the other hand, $(Nil_n(f) circ tau_R)(h)=Nil_n(f)(tau_R(h))= Nil_n(f)(h(overline{x}))= f(h(overline{x}))=(fcirc h)(overline{x})$. Hence, $tau_S circ h^A(f)=Nil_n(f) circ tau_R$.
      $endgroup$
      – idriskameni
      Dec 30 '18 at 16:14






    • 1




      $begingroup$
      @idriskameni Sorry, didn't see these till now, commutativity looks good, I'll edit to address bijectivity later, since I've got to head out now.
      $endgroup$
      – jgon
      Dec 31 '18 at 17:13














    6












    6








    6





    $begingroup$

    Ok, several problems. As Kevin Carlson points out in the comments, $newcommandNil{operatorname{Nil}}Nil_n$ and (if we define $A=Bbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)$) $h^A$ are functors, not categories.



    Thus we need to show that they are isomorphic as functors.



    Isomorphisms of functors



    Recall, then, the definition of natural transformation, which is the notion of a morphism between functors. Let $F,G:Cto D$ be functors from a category $C$ to a category $D$. Then a natural transformation $theta: Fto G$ is a family of maps, $theta_x: F(x)to G(x)$ for each $xin C$ satisfying the following commutative diagram for every morphism $f:xto y$ in $C$:
    $$require{AMScd}begin{CD}F(x) @>F(f)>> F(y) \ @Vtheta_xVV @Vtheta_yVV\G(x) @>>G(f)> G(y) end{CD}$$



    An isomorphism of functors (usually called a natural isomorphism) then is a natural transformation all of whose components are isomorphisms. (Check that this is equivalent to the natural transformation having an inverse natural transformation)



    How to apply this to your question



    First of all, you have the domains and codomains of your functors wrong. Well $Nil_n$ is correct. It is a functor from $newcommandRing{mathbf{Ring}}newcommandSet{mathbf{Set}}Ring$ to $Set$, but $h^A(R)=newcommandHom{operatorname{Hom}}Hom_Ring(A,R)$ is actually also a functor from $Ring$ to $Set$, not from right $R$-modules to right $R$-modules.



    Thus you want to find a family of maps for every ring $RinRing$, $tau_R:h^A(R)to Nil_n(R)$ with $tau_R$ an isomorphism of sets (i.e. a bijection) for every ring $R$.
    You should also check that $tau_R$ is natural. I.e. that the following diagram commutes for every map $phi :Rto S$ of rings:
    $$begin{CD}h^A(R) @>h^A(phi)>> h^A(S) \ @Vtau_RVV @Vtau_SVV\Nil_n(R) @>>Nil_n(phi)> Nil_n(S) end{CD}$$



    Note: I've used $tau_R$, because you've already identified the correct family of maps $tau_R$ in your question, you just have to prove it has the right properties.



    Edit: In response to your comment asking how is $tau_R$ defined exactly.



    Well, as you mentioned, the elements of $h^A(R)$ are ring homomorphisms $f:Ato R$, and the elements of $Nil_n(R)$ are elements $r$ of $R$ with $r^n=0$. Thus $tau_R$ should take ring homomorphisms $f:Ato R$ and produce appropriate elements of $R$.



    Well, $A=Bbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)$, so let $bar{x}$ be the image of $xin Bbb{Z}[x]$ in the quotient, $A$. Then if $f:Ato R$ is a ring homomorphism, $r=f(bar{x})$ is an element of $R$, and moreover, $r^n=f(bar{x})^n=f(bar{x}^n)=f(0)=0$, so $r$ is in $Nil_n(R)$.






    share|cite|improve this answer











    $endgroup$



    Ok, several problems. As Kevin Carlson points out in the comments, $newcommandNil{operatorname{Nil}}Nil_n$ and (if we define $A=Bbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)$) $h^A$ are functors, not categories.



    Thus we need to show that they are isomorphic as functors.



    Isomorphisms of functors



    Recall, then, the definition of natural transformation, which is the notion of a morphism between functors. Let $F,G:Cto D$ be functors from a category $C$ to a category $D$. Then a natural transformation $theta: Fto G$ is a family of maps, $theta_x: F(x)to G(x)$ for each $xin C$ satisfying the following commutative diagram for every morphism $f:xto y$ in $C$:
    $$require{AMScd}begin{CD}F(x) @>F(f)>> F(y) \ @Vtheta_xVV @Vtheta_yVV\G(x) @>>G(f)> G(y) end{CD}$$



    An isomorphism of functors (usually called a natural isomorphism) then is a natural transformation all of whose components are isomorphisms. (Check that this is equivalent to the natural transformation having an inverse natural transformation)



    How to apply this to your question



    First of all, you have the domains and codomains of your functors wrong. Well $Nil_n$ is correct. It is a functor from $newcommandRing{mathbf{Ring}}newcommandSet{mathbf{Set}}Ring$ to $Set$, but $h^A(R)=newcommandHom{operatorname{Hom}}Hom_Ring(A,R)$ is actually also a functor from $Ring$ to $Set$, not from right $R$-modules to right $R$-modules.



    Thus you want to find a family of maps for every ring $RinRing$, $tau_R:h^A(R)to Nil_n(R)$ with $tau_R$ an isomorphism of sets (i.e. a bijection) for every ring $R$.
    You should also check that $tau_R$ is natural. I.e. that the following diagram commutes for every map $phi :Rto S$ of rings:
    $$begin{CD}h^A(R) @>h^A(phi)>> h^A(S) \ @Vtau_RVV @Vtau_SVV\Nil_n(R) @>>Nil_n(phi)> Nil_n(S) end{CD}$$



    Note: I've used $tau_R$, because you've already identified the correct family of maps $tau_R$ in your question, you just have to prove it has the right properties.



    Edit: In response to your comment asking how is $tau_R$ defined exactly.



    Well, as you mentioned, the elements of $h^A(R)$ are ring homomorphisms $f:Ato R$, and the elements of $Nil_n(R)$ are elements $r$ of $R$ with $r^n=0$. Thus $tau_R$ should take ring homomorphisms $f:Ato R$ and produce appropriate elements of $R$.



    Well, $A=Bbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)$, so let $bar{x}$ be the image of $xin Bbb{Z}[x]$ in the quotient, $A$. Then if $f:Ato R$ is a ring homomorphism, $r=f(bar{x})$ is an element of $R$, and moreover, $r^n=f(bar{x})^n=f(bar{x}^n)=f(0)=0$, so $r$ is in $Nil_n(R)$.







    share|cite|improve this answer














    share|cite|improve this answer



    share|cite|improve this answer








    edited Dec 28 '18 at 19:32

























    answered Dec 22 '18 at 19:32









    jgonjgon

    16.7k32244




    16.7k32244








    • 3




      $begingroup$
      To the downvoter: I don't particularly care about the rep, but if you think there's something wrong with my answer, please leave a comment, and I'll try to address it.
      $endgroup$
      – jgon
      Dec 23 '18 at 14:48










    • $begingroup$
      Thank you very much. I do understand what you say. But I have a hard problem trying to understand what $tau_R$ does. Because I know that elements in $h^A(R)$ are ring homomorphisms from $A=mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)$ to $R$. And elements in $Nil_n(R)$ are elements in $R$ that are zero when we take the $n$-th power. But how can you map $f mapsto f(overline{x})$?I do not understand what that means. Any help?
      $endgroup$
      – idriskameni
      Dec 28 '18 at 18:11








    • 1




      $begingroup$
      @idriskameni edited.
      $endgroup$
      – jgon
      Dec 28 '18 at 19:52










    • $begingroup$
      Could you tell me if this would be correct to check commutativity? Let $hin h^A(R)$. Then $(tau_S circ h^A(f))(h)=tau_S(h^A(f)(h))=tau_S(fcirc h)=( fcirc h)(overline{x})$. On the other hand, $(Nil_n(f) circ tau_R)(h)=Nil_n(f)(tau_R(h))= Nil_n(f)(h(overline{x}))= f(h(overline{x}))=(fcirc h)(overline{x})$. Hence, $tau_S circ h^A(f)=Nil_n(f) circ tau_R$.
      $endgroup$
      – idriskameni
      Dec 30 '18 at 16:14






    • 1




      $begingroup$
      @idriskameni Sorry, didn't see these till now, commutativity looks good, I'll edit to address bijectivity later, since I've got to head out now.
      $endgroup$
      – jgon
      Dec 31 '18 at 17:13














    • 3




      $begingroup$
      To the downvoter: I don't particularly care about the rep, but if you think there's something wrong with my answer, please leave a comment, and I'll try to address it.
      $endgroup$
      – jgon
      Dec 23 '18 at 14:48










    • $begingroup$
      Thank you very much. I do understand what you say. But I have a hard problem trying to understand what $tau_R$ does. Because I know that elements in $h^A(R)$ are ring homomorphisms from $A=mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)$ to $R$. And elements in $Nil_n(R)$ are elements in $R$ that are zero when we take the $n$-th power. But how can you map $f mapsto f(overline{x})$?I do not understand what that means. Any help?
      $endgroup$
      – idriskameni
      Dec 28 '18 at 18:11








    • 1




      $begingroup$
      @idriskameni edited.
      $endgroup$
      – jgon
      Dec 28 '18 at 19:52










    • $begingroup$
      Could you tell me if this would be correct to check commutativity? Let $hin h^A(R)$. Then $(tau_S circ h^A(f))(h)=tau_S(h^A(f)(h))=tau_S(fcirc h)=( fcirc h)(overline{x})$. On the other hand, $(Nil_n(f) circ tau_R)(h)=Nil_n(f)(tau_R(h))= Nil_n(f)(h(overline{x}))= f(h(overline{x}))=(fcirc h)(overline{x})$. Hence, $tau_S circ h^A(f)=Nil_n(f) circ tau_R$.
      $endgroup$
      – idriskameni
      Dec 30 '18 at 16:14






    • 1




      $begingroup$
      @idriskameni Sorry, didn't see these till now, commutativity looks good, I'll edit to address bijectivity later, since I've got to head out now.
      $endgroup$
      – jgon
      Dec 31 '18 at 17:13








    3




    3




    $begingroup$
    To the downvoter: I don't particularly care about the rep, but if you think there's something wrong with my answer, please leave a comment, and I'll try to address it.
    $endgroup$
    – jgon
    Dec 23 '18 at 14:48




    $begingroup$
    To the downvoter: I don't particularly care about the rep, but if you think there's something wrong with my answer, please leave a comment, and I'll try to address it.
    $endgroup$
    – jgon
    Dec 23 '18 at 14:48












    $begingroup$
    Thank you very much. I do understand what you say. But I have a hard problem trying to understand what $tau_R$ does. Because I know that elements in $h^A(R)$ are ring homomorphisms from $A=mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)$ to $R$. And elements in $Nil_n(R)$ are elements in $R$ that are zero when we take the $n$-th power. But how can you map $f mapsto f(overline{x})$?I do not understand what that means. Any help?
    $endgroup$
    – idriskameni
    Dec 28 '18 at 18:11






    $begingroup$
    Thank you very much. I do understand what you say. But I have a hard problem trying to understand what $tau_R$ does. Because I know that elements in $h^A(R)$ are ring homomorphisms from $A=mathbb{Z}[x]/(x^n)$ to $R$. And elements in $Nil_n(R)$ are elements in $R$ that are zero when we take the $n$-th power. But how can you map $f mapsto f(overline{x})$?I do not understand what that means. Any help?
    $endgroup$
    – idriskameni
    Dec 28 '18 at 18:11






    1




    1




    $begingroup$
    @idriskameni edited.
    $endgroup$
    – jgon
    Dec 28 '18 at 19:52




    $begingroup$
    @idriskameni edited.
    $endgroup$
    – jgon
    Dec 28 '18 at 19:52












    $begingroup$
    Could you tell me if this would be correct to check commutativity? Let $hin h^A(R)$. Then $(tau_S circ h^A(f))(h)=tau_S(h^A(f)(h))=tau_S(fcirc h)=( fcirc h)(overline{x})$. On the other hand, $(Nil_n(f) circ tau_R)(h)=Nil_n(f)(tau_R(h))= Nil_n(f)(h(overline{x}))= f(h(overline{x}))=(fcirc h)(overline{x})$. Hence, $tau_S circ h^A(f)=Nil_n(f) circ tau_R$.
    $endgroup$
    – idriskameni
    Dec 30 '18 at 16:14




    $begingroup$
    Could you tell me if this would be correct to check commutativity? Let $hin h^A(R)$. Then $(tau_S circ h^A(f))(h)=tau_S(h^A(f)(h))=tau_S(fcirc h)=( fcirc h)(overline{x})$. On the other hand, $(Nil_n(f) circ tau_R)(h)=Nil_n(f)(tau_R(h))= Nil_n(f)(h(overline{x}))= f(h(overline{x}))=(fcirc h)(overline{x})$. Hence, $tau_S circ h^A(f)=Nil_n(f) circ tau_R$.
    $endgroup$
    – idriskameni
    Dec 30 '18 at 16:14




    1




    1




    $begingroup$
    @idriskameni Sorry, didn't see these till now, commutativity looks good, I'll edit to address bijectivity later, since I've got to head out now.
    $endgroup$
    – jgon
    Dec 31 '18 at 17:13




    $begingroup$
    @idriskameni Sorry, didn't see these till now, commutativity looks good, I'll edit to address bijectivity later, since I've got to head out now.
    $endgroup$
    – jgon
    Dec 31 '18 at 17:13











    0












    $begingroup$

    Hint: there is a universal property of $mathbb Z[x]$ as the free ring on one generator. This means there is a functorial identifcation $$Hom_{Rings}(mathbb Z[x], R) = Hom_{Sets}({x},R) = {xin R} = R$$



    Now describe this equality in terms of an isomorphism of functors and adapt the proof to your situation. (Yes the functors natural transformations exist and are well known.)






    share|cite|improve this answer











    $endgroup$


















      0












      $begingroup$

      Hint: there is a universal property of $mathbb Z[x]$ as the free ring on one generator. This means there is a functorial identifcation $$Hom_{Rings}(mathbb Z[x], R) = Hom_{Sets}({x},R) = {xin R} = R$$



      Now describe this equality in terms of an isomorphism of functors and adapt the proof to your situation. (Yes the functors natural transformations exist and are well known.)






      share|cite|improve this answer











      $endgroup$
















        0












        0








        0





        $begingroup$

        Hint: there is a universal property of $mathbb Z[x]$ as the free ring on one generator. This means there is a functorial identifcation $$Hom_{Rings}(mathbb Z[x], R) = Hom_{Sets}({x},R) = {xin R} = R$$



        Now describe this equality in terms of an isomorphism of functors and adapt the proof to your situation. (Yes the functors natural transformations exist and are well known.)






        share|cite|improve this answer











        $endgroup$



        Hint: there is a universal property of $mathbb Z[x]$ as the free ring on one generator. This means there is a functorial identifcation $$Hom_{Rings}(mathbb Z[x], R) = Hom_{Sets}({x},R) = {xin R} = R$$



        Now describe this equality in terms of an isomorphism of functors and adapt the proof to your situation. (Yes the functors natural transformations exist and are well known.)







        share|cite|improve this answer














        share|cite|improve this answer



        share|cite|improve this answer








        edited Dec 22 '18 at 16:09

























        answered Dec 22 '18 at 15:32









        BenBen

        4,383617




        4,383617






























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