$k[x]/(x^2)$ has only one prime ideal

2.1k Views Asked by At

Let $k$ be a field. Then $k[x]/(x^2)$ has only one prime ideal.

It is clear that $(X)$ is the maximal ideal thus prime where $X$ is the class elements $x$. How do I know there aren't other prime ideals? I tried to define homomorphism $\phi':k[x]/(x^2)\to k$ by evaluation but it seems there is no other way to define the map well defined other than evaluating at 0 due to $\phi'([f])=\phi'([g])$ not equal for different representatives.

1

There are 1 best solutions below

0
On BEST ANSWER

Suppose $\mathfrak{p}$ is a prime ideal. Then $x\cdot x = 0\in \mathfrak{p}$, so $x\in \mathfrak{p}$, and $(x)\subseteq \mathfrak{p}$. Since, as you note, $(x)$ is maximal, $(x) = \mathfrak{p}$.