On the classification of simple inductive limit \(C^*\)-algebras. I: The reduction theorem (Q1856376)

Summary: Suppose that \[ A = \lim\limits_{n\to\infty}\left(A_n = \bigoplus_{i=1}^{t_n} M_{[n,i]}(C(X_{n,i})), \phi_{n,m}\right) \] is a simple \(C^*\)-algebra, where \(X_{n,i}\) are compact metrizable spaces of uniformly bounded dimensions (this restriction can be relaxed to a condition of very slow dimension growth). It is proved in this article that \(A\) can be written as an inductive limit of direct sums of matrix algebras over certain special 3-dimensional spaces. As a consequence, it is shown that this class of inductive limit \(C^*\)-algebras is classified by the Elliott invariant -- consisting of the ordered K-group and the tracial state space -- in a subsequent paper joint with G. Elliott and L. Li (Part II of this series). (Note that the \(C^*\)-algebras in this class do not enjoy the real rank zero property).