Theorem. Let (R,+,·) be a finite ring with no zero divisors such that |R|≥2. Then R is a field.

Proof. Since R has no zero divisors, the set of non-zero elements, denoted R⋆=R∖0, is closed under (·). Thus, (R⋆,·) is a semigroup.

Let R⋆=a1,…,an. For an arbitrary a∈R⋆, none of the products aa1,…,aan are zero, as a is not a left zero divisor. Since R⋆ is finite and cancellation holds, the map a↦ax is a bijection on R⋆.

Therefore, the equation ax=b has a unique solution in R⋆ for every b∈R⋆. Similarly, it can be verified that the equation ya=b has a solution in R⋆ for every b∈R⋆.

It follows that (R⋆,·) is a group. Consequently, R is a skew field. Since R is finite, by Wedderburn's Theorem, R is commutative. Therefore, R is a field. □

Pub: 2026-01-04 17:23 UTCEdit: 2026-01-04 17:23 UTCOwner:User avatarhelgaViews: 293