Exercise · ZW-ZERO-DIVISOR-007 · ★★☆ Intermediate

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

Choose one option.

Show answer
  • D. \((2,0)\)

Explanation

Since \((2,0)(0,1)=(0,0)\) with both factors nonzero, \((2,0)\) is a zero divisor. \((1,1)\) is a unit, \((3,5)(a,b)=0\) only when \(a=b=0\), and \((0,0)\) is excluded by definition.

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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

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