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Let $k$ be an algebraically closed field and $A$ a finitely generated $k$-algebra which is an integral domain. Let $m$ be a maximal ideal of $A$. Does the proof that $A_m/mA_m$ (i.e. the residue field of the localization of $A$ at $m$) is isomorphic to $A/m$ require anything deep like the Nullstelensatz? I.e. is there a basic ring theoretic argument that doesn't bring in any algebraic geometry or deeper results in commutative algebra? My difficulty is in proving the surjectivity of the map $A \rightarrow A_m/mA_m$. Thank you for your time.

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    It is not hard to show that $A_\mathfrak{m} / \mathfrak{m}_\mathfrak{m} \cong A / \mathfrak{m}$, but to determine that $A / \mathfrak{m} \cong k$ (as $k$-algebras!) requires a form of the Nullstellensatz.2012-10-21
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    Thanks Zhen. I've altered the question because I suppose I am willing to accept that A/m is isomorphic to k.2012-10-21
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    This is an easy exercise in commutative algebra. Try a more general form (that could be easier to prove!): let $A$ be a commutative ring, $I\subset A$ an ideal and $S\subset A$ a multiplicatively closed set. Then $S^{-1}A/S^{-1}I$ is isomorphic to $T^{-1}(A/I)$, where $T$ is the image of $S$ in $A/I$ via the canonical projection. In particular, if $p$ is a prime ideal of $A$, then $A_p/pA_p$ is isomorphic to the fraction field of $A/p$.2012-10-21
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    @Michaelhaneke Do you know that localisation is an exact functor? You can try taking the localisation of the exact sequence $0 \rightarrow m \rightarrow A \rightarrow A/m \rightarrow 0$.2012-10-21
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    @BenjaLim Localization is an exact functor in the category of modules. Here is needed a ring isomorphism.2012-10-21
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    Oh I see! Thanks, navigetor :)2012-10-21

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