Prime and irreducible elements. #
In this file we define the predicate Prime p
saying that an element of a commutative monoid with zero is prime.
Namely, Prime p means that p isn't zero, it isn't a unit,
and p ∣ a * b → p ∣ a ∨ p ∣ b for all a, b;
In decomposition monoids (e.g., ℕ, ℤ), this predicate is equivalent to Irreducible
(see irreducible_iff_prime), however this is not true in general.
Main definitions #
Prime: a prime element of a commutative monoid with zeroIrreducible: an irreducible element of a commutative monoid with zero
Main results #
irreducible_iff_prime: the two definitions are equivalent in a decomposition monoid.
An element p of a commutative monoid with zero (e.g., a ring) is called prime,
if it's not zero, not a unit, and p ∣ a * b → p ∣ a ∨ p ∣ b for all a, b.
Instances For
Irreducible p states that p is non-unit and only factors into units.
We explicitly avoid stating that p is non-zero, this would require a semiring. Assuming only a
monoid allows us to reuse irreducible for associated elements.
pis not a unitif
pfactors then one factor is a unit
Instances For
If p and q are irreducible, then p ∣ q implies q ∣ p.