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Let $(R,\mathfrak{m})$ be a local ring and $N$ be a $R-$module such that every element of $N$ is killed by a power of $\mathfrak{m}$. Show that $N$ has at least a simple submodule, that is $soc(N)\ne0.$

This implies a question : When does a $R-$module $N$ have simple submodule? ( Let $R$ be a commutative unitary ring that need not local)

Can you help me.

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Let $R$ be a commutative unitary ring that need not be local. Let $N$ be a nonzero $R$-module.

Suppose there exists a nonzero element $x$ of $N$ and a maximal ideal $\mathfrak{m}$ of $R$ such that $x$ is killed by a power of $\mathfrak{m}$. Let $I$ be ann$(x)$. Then $Rx$ is isomorphic to $R/I$. By the assumption, there exists an integer $n > 0$ such that $\mathfrak{m}^n \subset I$. We can assume that $n$ is the least such integer. There exists $a \in \mathfrak{m}^{n-1} - I$. Since $\mathfrak{m}a \subset \mathfrak{m}^n \subset I$, ann($a$ mod $I) = \mathfrak{m}$. Hence $R/I$ contains a submodule isomorphic to $R/\mathfrak{m}$. Hence $Rx$ contains a simple submodule.

Conversely suppose $N$ has a simple submodule $L$. $L$ is of the form $Rx$, where $x$ is a nonzero element of $N$. Let $\mathfrak{m}$ be ann($x$). Since $L$ is isomorphic to $R/\mathfrak{m}$, $\mathfrak{m}$ is maximal. Clearly $\mathfrak{m}x = 0$.

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    Thank you. There is something wrong in my argument above. I will try to find it.2012-11-10