Exercise · ZW-ZERO-DIVISOR-001 · ★☆☆ Basic

In \(\mathbb{Z}_{12}\), which of these elements is a zero divisor?

Choose one option.

Show answer
  • C. \(8\)

Explanation

Since \(8\cdot 3=24\equiv 0\) with \(3\neq 0\), 8 is a zero divisor (\(\gcd(8,12)=4>1\)). The other three are coprime to 12, hence units.

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Review the concept: Zero divisor

A zero divisor of a ring \(R\) is an element \(a\neq0\) for which there is another element \(b\neq0\) of \(R\) whose product with \(a\) is zero.

\[ab=0,\quad a\neq0,\ b\neq0\]

More practice problems: zero divisor

ZW-ZERO-DIVISOR-002 →