3
$\begingroup$

Let $A,B$ be commutative rings with identity. Let $f:A \rightarrow B$ be a ring homomorphism and let $M$ be an $A$-module. Since $B$ can be viewed as an $A$-module with the operation $A \times B \rightarrow B$ given by $(\alpha,b) \mapsto f(\alpha)b$, we can define the $A$-module $M_B = B \otimes_{A} M$. How can i show that $M_B$ is also a $B$-module with action such that $(b',b \otimes_{A} x) \mapsto (b'b \otimes_A x)$?

Added: In order to show that $M_B$ is a $B$-module, we need to construct a ring homomorphism $B \rightarrow End(M_B)$. How can we do that?

  • 0
    What i don't understand is why the map $(b',b \otimes x) \mapsto (b'b \otimes x)$ is well-defined and moreover why this induces an endomorphism.2012-04-23

1 Answers 1

6

For each $b \in B$, consider the map

$[b]:B \times M \to B\otimes_A M$

$(b',m) \mapsto bb'\otimes m.$

It is immediate that $[b]$ is bilinear and $A$-balanced, and thus factors through a homomorphism (which we also call $[b]$):

$[b]: B\otimes_A M \to B\otimes_A M$

given on simple tensors by $[b](b'\otimes m) =bb'\otimes m$.

It is immediate from this that $[b_1]\circ [b_2] = [b_1b_2]$, and that the collection of all these homomorphisms makes $B\otimes_A M$ into a $B$-module.

Note: to remember what module structures has a given tensor product, a good trick is this: if $A,B,C$ are any three rings (possibly non-commutative), and if $M$ is an $(A,B)$-bimodule (hence $M$ is a left $A$-module and a right $B$-module, and the two module structures are compatible), and $N$ is a $(B,C)$-bimodule, then $M\otimes_B N$ is an $(A,C)$-bimodule (just like the product of an $n\times m$ matrix with a $m \times p$ matrix has dimensions $n\times p$).

Also: (1) if $R$ is commutative, then every $R$-module is naturally an $(R,R)$-bimodule; (2) in general, a left $R$-module is the same thing as a $(R,\mathbf{Z})$-bimodule; (3) if $M$ is a right $R$-module and $N$ is a left $R$-module, $M\otimes_R N$ only has the natural structure of an abelian group (which is a $(\mathbf{Z},\mathbf{Z})$-bimodule).

In your problem $B$ is a $(B,A)$-bimodule, and $M$ an $(A,A)$-bimodule; hence $B\otimes_AM$ is a $(B,A)$-bimodule.

  • 0
    Of course, this an interesting particular case of the very intriguing Eilenberg-Watt's theorem.2012-04-24