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Hilbert's Syzygy Theorem

Algebra

Hilbert's Syzygy Theorem states that a finitely generated graded module over a polynomial ring in n variables over a field admits a free resolution of length at most n, meaning the process of writing the module as a quotient of a free module, then finding a free module mapping onto the relations among those generators, its syzygies, and repeating, terminates after at most n steps. Named for David Hilbert, it is a foundational result of commutative algebra guaranteeing that such resolutions cannot grow indefinitely long.

Facts
Statement
If M is a finitely generated module over a polynomial ring in n indeterminates over a field k, then the nth syzygy module of M is always a free module. 1
Proof Year
1890 1
Classification
Statement Form
Existence Theorem 1
Connections

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In Branch

Source Hilbert's syzygy theorem (Wikipedia)

Named After

Proved By

Sources
1. Hilbert's syzygy theorem (Wikipedia)
  • Statement
    Hilbert's syzygy theorem states that, if M is a finitely generated module over a polynomial ring k[x₁,…,xₙ] in n indeterminates over a field k, then the nth syzygy module of M is always a free module.
  • History
    The syzygy theorem first appeared in Hilbert's seminal paper "Über die Theorie der algebraischen Formen" (1890).
  • In Group: Ring Theory and Commutative Algebra, Lead section
    is the starting point of the use of homological methods in commutative algebra and algebraic geometry.
  • In Branch: Algebraic Geometry, Lead section
    in invariant theory, and are at the basis of modern algebraic geometry. The two other theorems are Hilbert's basis theorem
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