14-08-2024

Problem: Let $R$ be a commutative ring and let $a,b, c \in R$. Suppose that $a$ is a unit. Prove that $b$ divides $c$ if and only if $ab$ divides $c$.
Solution: Given that $a$ is a unit, means we can find $x \in R$ such that $ax = 1 = xa$. Let $b$ divides $c$, that is, there exists $r \in R$ such that \begin{align*} c = br \implies c = 1\cdot br & \implies c = xa br \\ & \implies c = (ab)\cdot (xr). \end{align*} Thus, $ab$ divides $c$.

On the other hand, let $ab$ divides $c$, that is, there exists $q \in R$ such that \begin{align*} c = ab q \implies c = b (aq). \end{align*} Thus, $b$ divides $c$.