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Let $K$ be a field and $A$ an affine $K$-algebra. Show that $A$ has (Krull) dimension zero (is artinian) if and only if it is finite dimensional over $K$.

user26857
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1 Answers1

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Finite dimensional (as a vector space) algebras are zero dimensional: Using quotients, it is enough to prove that every finite dimensional domain is a field. But this is standard: The multiplication map by a nonzero element is injective, hence also surjective.

If $A$ is a zero dimensional finitely generated $k$-algebra, then it is artinian, and we may even assume that $A$ is local, say with maximal ideal $\mathfrak{m}$. Now try to prove that each $\mathfrak{m}^n/\mathfrak{m}^{n+1}$ is finite-dimensional. Since $\mathfrak{m}$ is nilpotent, this shows that $A$ is finite dimensional (as a $k$-vector space).

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    The second part of your hint is unclear to me: $\mathfrak{m}^n/\mathfrak{m}^{n+1}$ is finite-dimensional as an $k$-vector space or as an $A/\mathfrak m$-vector space? And is not the main point in the proof of the question that $A/\mathfrak m$ is a finite dimensional $k$-vector space? –  May 05 '13 at 08:45
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    Over $k$. But also over $A/m$, doesn't matter. Yes, $A/m$ is finite-dimensional over $k$, I assume such basic facts ... – Martin Brandenburg May 07 '13 at 14:23