Division Ring

In abstract algebra, a division ring, also called a skew field, is a ring in which division is possible. Specifically, it is a non-trivial ring in which every non-zero element a has a multiplicative inverse, i.e., an element x with a·x = x·a = 1. Stated differently, a ring is a division ring if and only if the group of units is the set of all non-zero elements.

Division rings differ from fields only in that their multiplication is not required to be commutative. However, by Wedderburn's little theorem all finite division rings are commutative and therefore finite fields. Historically, division rings were sometimes referred to as fields, while fields were called “commutative fields”.

Read more about Division Ring:  Relation To Fields and Linear Algebra, Examples, Ring Theorems, Related Notions

Famous quotes containing the words division and/or ring:

    The glory of the farmer is that, in the division of labors, it is his part to create. All trade rests at last on his primitive activity.
    Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)

    The Mormons make the marriage ring, like the ring of Saturn, fluid, not solid, and keep it in its place by numerous satellites.
    Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807–1882)