1
$\begingroup$

I'm feeling quite a bit embarrassed to ask such a basic thing, but I can't seem to figure it out. Let $R$ be a commutative ring and $A$ be a commutative $R$-algebra. Is the fork $$ A \xrightarrow{i} A \otimes_R A \rightrightarrows A \otimes_R A $$ an equalizer, where $i(a) = a \otimes 1$ and the two parallel arrows are given by $f(a \otimes b) = ab \otimes 1$ and $g = id$?

$\endgroup$

1 Answer 1

2
$\begingroup$

Yes, it is. Let a tensor $t$ be in the equalizer of $f$ and $g$. Then, $f\left(t\right)=g\left(t\right)$. If we write $t$ in the form $\sum\limits_{j\in I} a_j\otimes b_j$ (with $I$ being a finite set, and $a_j$ and $b_j$ being elements of $A$), then this rewrites as $\sum\limits_{j\in I} a_jb_j\otimes 1 = \sum\limits_{j\in I} a_j\otimes b_j$. Thus, $t = \sum\limits_{j\in I} a_j \otimes b_j = \sum\limits_{j\in I} a_j b_j \otimes 1 = i\left(\sum\limits_{j\in I} a_j b_j\right) \in i\left(A\right)$. Thus, the equalizer is contained in $i\left(A\right)$. The reverse inclusion is even more trivial, so the equalizer is actually equal to $i\left(A\right)$.

$\endgroup$
0

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.