1
$\begingroup$

If $R$ is a Dedekind domain and $M$ a finitely generated $R$-module, then $M$ splits as a direct sum of a torsion and a projective $R$-module. Is such a splitting unique? And what if we ask about uniqueness up to isomorphism (of the submodules that occur in the splitting)?

I understand the second question might seem trivial at first since by the classification all localizations of the submodules will be isomorphic... but who guarantees that this the isomorphisms of the localized submodules all come from an isomorphism of the original submodules?

  • 0
    Your initial statement is not correct. What if $M$ is torsion?2012-12-01
  • 0
    Sorry, I meant torsion not torsion-free (the torsion-free part is the projective part). I fixed it above. Thank you!2012-12-01
  • 0
    I suggest first thinking about your question in the simplest case where $R$ is the integers. Then you're asking if writing a finitely generated abelian group as $T \oplus F$, where $T$ is torsion and $F$ is finite free, is unique. There are easy counterexamples. Try $\pm 2^{\mathbf Z} = \pm(-2)^{\mathbf Z}$, so you can take $F = 2^{\mathbf Z}$ or $(-2)^{\mathbf Z}$.2012-12-01

2 Answers 2