simple algebra

noun

An algebra that contains no nontrivial proper (two-sided) ideals and whose multiplication operation is not zero (i.e., there exist a and b such that ab ≠ 0).

Meanings

nounsimple algebra (plural simple algebras)

plural simple algebras

  1. algebraAn algebra that contains no nontrivial proper (two-sided) ideals and whose multiplication operation is not zero (i.e., there exist a and b such that ab ≠ 0).

    1945 [McGraw-Hill], E. T. Bell, 2nd Edition, 1992, Dover, The Development of Mathematics, page 252, A semi-simple algebra over F is either simple or the direct sum of simple algebras over F.

    2 more examples

    1989 [W. H Freeman & Company], Nathan Jacobson, Basic Algebra II, 2nd Edition, 2009, Dover, page 215, If A is a finite dimensional simple algebra over F, then A≅M_n(Δ) where Δ is a finite dimensional division algebra over Δ.

    One proves that if #92;mathcal#123;L#125; is a simple algebra over #92;mathbb#123;R#125;, then L#95;C is either a simple algebra over #92;mathbb#123;C#125;, or a direct sum of two isomorphic simple algebras. Thus the problem of studying simple algebras over #92;mathbb#123;R#125; reduces to a similar problem over #92;mathbb#123;C#125;.

    2005, Igor R. Shafarevich, translated by Miles Reid, Basic Notions of Algebra, Springer, page 198

Translations

Italian algebra semplice
  • algebra semplicealgebra that contains no nontrivial proper ideals and whose multiplication operation is not zero
Polish algebra prosta
  • algebra prostaalgebra that contains no nontrivial proper ideals and whose multiplication operation is not zero
Cite this entry
APA

simple algebra. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/simple%20algebra

MLA

“simple algebra.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/simple%20algebra. Accessed November 3, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “simple algebra,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/simple%20algebra.

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