4

The relation between the exterior derivative $d:C^\infty(\mathbb{R})\to\Omega^1\mathbb(\mathbb{R})$ and the Kähler differential $d_{C^\infty(\mathbb{R})/\mathbb{R}}:C^\infty(\mathbb{R})\to\Omega_{C^\infty(\mathbb{R})/\mathbb{R}}$ has been already explained in this MO thread. More precisely, the exterior derivative do not satisfy universal property expected from Kähler differentials.

While reading the new edition of Jet Nestruev’s Smooth Manifolds and Observables, I came across section 14.10 which proves the above statement but using simpler tools compared to the MO thread mentioned previously. However, I do not understand a few steps. I will explain the reasoning and point out the steps which I struggle with.

Let $A$ denote the $\mathbb{R}$-algebra of smooth functions on the real line, i.e., $C^\infty(\mathbb{R})$. We want to show that $d_{A/\mathbb{R}}e^x\neq e^xd_{A/\mathbb{R}}x$. The proof goes as follows:

  1. We show that $x$ and $e^x$ from $A$ are algebraically independent over $\mathbb{R}$. Thus $\mathbb{R}[x, e^x]\cong \mathbb{R}[X, Y]$ as $\mathbb{R}$-algebras.
  2. Since $S:=\mathbb{R}[x, e^x]\setminus \{0\}$ is a multiplicative set of $A$, we can localize $A$ by $S$. Let’s set $A_1:=S^{-1}A$.
  3. Additionally, $\mathbb{R}[x, e^x]$ is a domain (as a ring), so that $F:=S^{-1}\mathbb{R}[x, e^x]$ is a field.
  4. Let $\delta:=\frac{\partial}{\partial Y}$ (or $\frac{\partial}{\partial e^x}$ if one prefers) be a derivation on the ring $\mathbb{R}[x, e^x]$ induced from $\mathbb{R}[X, Y]$. Using the formula for differentiating fractions, we extend $\delta$ to $F$.
  5. Let $I$ be some maximal ideal of $A_1$. Then the field $\bar F:=A_1/I$ contains an isomorphic image of the field $F$, i.e., we have an inclusion $\iota:F\hookrightarrow \bar F$
  6. Since $\bar F$ is a field of characteristic zero, the derivation $\delta$ can be extended from $F$ to $\bar F$; let $\bar\delta$ denote that extension.
  7. Then $\bar\delta(\bar x)=\overline{\delta(x)}=0$ and $\bar\delta(\overline{e^x})=\overline{\delta(e^x)}=1$, where $\bar{z}=z$ mod $I$ for $z\in A_1$, i.e., $\bar{z}\in A_1/I=\bar{F}$ (see point 5.).
  8. Denote the composition $A\to A_1\to\bar{F}\xrightarrow{\bar\delta}\bar{F}$ by $\partial$. It is a $\mathbb{R}$-derivation with values in the $A$-module $\bar{F}$, such that $\partial(x)=0$ and $\partial(e^x)=1$.
  9. Due to the universal property of $d_{A/\mathbb{R}}$, there is a $A$-linear homomorphism $h:\Omega_{A/\mathbb{R}}\to\bar{F}$, such that $\partial=h\circ d_{A/\mathbb{R}}$.
  10. Since $e^x\partial(x)\neq\partial(e^x)$ (see point 8.), so too $e^xd_{A/\mathbb{R}}x\neq d_{A/\mathbb{R}}e^x$ (see point 9.).

The points 1-4 are easy to follow. In 5, I do not understand why the field $\bar{F}$ must contain an isomorphic image of $F$. In 6, I do not understand why we can extend the derivation from $F$ to $\bar{F}$. Points 7-10 are also clear to me.

In summary, can you give me an explanation of points 5 and 6?

Fallen Apart
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  • From the injection $\mathbb{R}[x,e^x]\hookrightarrow A$ we get a homomorphism $F\rightarrow A_1\rightarrow \bar{F}$. A homomorphism of fields is always injective. $\ \ $

  • In characteristic $0$, a derivation of $F$ always extends to a derivation of $\bar{F}$ — see for instance Lang's Algebra, ch. VIII, §5.

  • – abx Dec 30 '21 at 20:39
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    Note that the statement which is actually proved is the following: let $A$ be a $K$-algebra ($K$ a field, $\operatorname{char}(K)=0 $), and let $x,y\in A$ be algebraically independent. Then $dx,dy$ are linearly independent (over $A$) in $\Omega _{A/K}$. – abx Dec 31 '21 at 07:43
  • @abx Your explanation of 5 makes it clear. I guess I will try to digest 6 next year :P. Wow, you abstracted the essence of the proof in a elegant and compact manner. The one thing which still bothers me is the hidden use of AC in taking maximal ideal $I$ in 5. I wonder if $I$ can be selected in some more concreate manner, but maybe it deserves a separate thread. – Fallen Apart Dec 31 '21 at 16:06