Definition:Generator of Module/Unitary
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Definition
Let $R$ be a ring with unity.
Let $M$ be a unitary $R$-module.
Let $S \subseteq M$ be a subset.
$S$ is a generator of $M$ if and only if every element of $M$ is a linear combination of elements of $S$.
Also known as
A generator of a module is also known as a spanning set.
Some sources refer to a generator for rather than generator of. The two terms mean the same.
It can also be said that $S$ generates $M$ (over $R$).
Other terms for $S$ are:
- A generating set of $M$ (over $R$)
- A generating system of $M$ (over $R$)
Some sources refer to such an $S$ as a set of generators of $M$ over $R$ but this terminology is misleading, as it can be interpreted to mean that each of the elements of $S$ is itself a generator of $M$ independently of the other elements.
Also see
Sources
- 1964: Iain T. Adamson: Introduction to Field Theory ... (previous) ... (next): Chapter $\text {I}$: Elementary Definitions: $\S 4$. Vector Spaces
- 1998: Yoav Peleg, Reuven Pnini and Elyahu Zaarur: Quantum Mechanics ... (previous) ... (next): Chapter $2$: Mathematical Background: $2.2$ Vector Spaces over $C$