Prime and irreducible elements. #
In this file we define the predicate Prime p
saying that an element of a commutative monoid with zero is prime.
Namely, Prime p
means that p
isn't zero, it isn't a unit,
and p ∣ a * b → p ∣ a ∨ p ∣ b
for all a
, b
;
In decomposition monoids (e.g., ℕ
, ℤ
), this predicate is equivalent to Irreducible
(see irreducible_iff_prime
), however this is not true in general.
Main definitions #
Prime
: a prime element of a commutative monoid with zeroIrreducible
: an irreducible element of a commutative monoid with zero
Main results #
irreducible_iff_prime
: the two definitions are equivalent in a decomposition monoid.
An element p
of a commutative monoid with zero (e.g., a ring) is called prime,
if it's not zero, not a unit, and p ∣ a * b → p ∣ a ∨ p ∣ b
for all a
, b
.
Instances For
Irreducible p
states that p
is non-unit and only factors into units.
We explicitly avoid stating that p
is non-zero, this would require a semiring. Assuming only a
monoid allows us to reuse irreducible for associated elements.
p
is not a unitif
p
factors then one factor is a unit
Instances For
p
is not a unit
if p
factors then one factor is a unit
If p
and q
are irreducible, then p ∣ q
implies q ∣ p
.