Graduate → Abstract Algebra → Modules ↓
Exact Sequences
Introduction
In the field of abstract algebra, particularly when studying modules over rings, exact sequences provide a structured way of understanding the relationships between different modules and homomorphisms. Exact sequences are fundamental in various areas of mathematics because they encapsulate the concept of "exactness" or exactness of mappings in algebraic structures. This is important for understanding extensions, complexes, and maps within the algebraic hierarchy.
What is the exact sequence?
First, let's define what an exact sequence is. An exact sequence is a sequence of modules and module homomorphisms between them, such that the image of one homomorphism is the kernel of the next homomorphism. Let's express this with some modules and homomorphisms:
M₁ → F M₂ → G M₃
The sequence is exact on M₂
if Im(f) = Ker(g)
, which means that the image of f
is exactly the kernel of g
. The sequence can be extended further:
M₀ → H M₁ → F M₂ → G M₃ → I M₄
Here, exactness on M₁
means Im(h) = Ker(f)
, and so on. If the sequence is such that the maps are alternately injective and surjective when viewed consecutively, then it is exact.
Visual representation
To see this visually, think of the mapping as arrows and the modules as nodes:
In this diagram, the arrows represent homomorphisms, and the spaces between the module nodes represent images and kernels that represent accuracy.
Simple examples of exact sequences
It is important to understand exact sequences through examples. Consider the simplest exact sequence of a vector space:
0 → F v → G v → 0
Here, 0
denotes the zero module, V
is a vector space, and f
and g
are the inclusion and identity maps. The sequence is exact because:
Im(f) = Ker(g)
, sincef
is injective.g
is an identity and soV
covers completely.
This trivial sequence can be simplified, but it is a basic foundation for understanding more complex sequences.
Exact sequences in group theory
Exact sequences apply not only to modules and vector spaces, but also to group homomorphisms. Consider a group homomorphism sequence:
G₁ → F G₂ → G G₃
The sequence is exact if Im(f) = Ker(g)
. For example, suppose f: G₁ → G₂
is inclusion, and g: G₂ → G₃
is quotienting the kernel of some other homomorphism. Then, exactness on G₂
ensures the effectiveness of these transformations in capturing group properties.
Long exact sequences
Long exact sequences provide more in-depth information. They often appear in complex algebraic topology, such as the long exact sequence of homotopy or cohomology groups. Consider this sequence:
0 → α A → β B → γ C → δ D → 0
Accuracy here means:
α
is injective sinceIm(0)=0
collines withKer(α)
.Im(α) = Ker(β)
, ensuring thatβ
captures the necessary transformations.- Passing through
D
,δ
must be oscillating since the sequence terminates at zero.
Exact sequences in cohomology
Cohomology theory, especially in topology and geometry, uses exact sequences to classify algebraic invariants. Consider the short exact sequence of coefficient groups:
0 → A → B → C → 0
This yields an exact sequence in cohomology as the functions move around in these groups, which is analyzed to extract useful topological features. This application is important in showing the robustness of exact sequences in theoretical applications.
Connecting homeomorphisms
Cycles are generated in specific steps, often in a sequence. For example, the exact sequences are given:
0 → A → B → C'
And:
0 → C' → D → E
A connecting homomorphism connects C'
to D
, preserving exactness in distinct sections. Such operations are important in preserving fundamental exactness properties in module sets in sequence algebra.
Conclusion
Exact sequences in modules introduce important concepts of injectivity, surjectivity, homomorphism and kernel cohesion in algebra. They facilitate complex algebraic structure analysis and provide important insights into mathematical foundations and applications. With these theories, exact sequences become tools for further exploration and development in abstract algebra and its many branches.
Understanding and effectively applying exact sequences is part of the important groundwork for advanced mathematical education, leading to more profound theoretical and practical breakthroughs across a broad academic field.