Ring derivations on semi-simple commutative Banach algebras (Q1201472)

Let \(A\) be a commutative Banach algebra. An (resp. linear) operator \(D\) on \(A\) is called a ring (resp. linear) derivation on \(A\) if equations \(D(f + g) = D(f) + D(g)\) and \(D(fg) = fD(g) + D(f)g\) are satisfied for every \(f\) and \(g\) in \(A\). The image of a linear derivation was studied by Singer and Wermer under the hypothesis of continuity of the operator, and Thomas has proved that every linear derivation on a commutative Banach algebra maps into the radical of the algebra. On the other hand there are ring derivations which do not map into the radical. In this paper we characterize ring derivations on semi-simple commutative Banach algebras. A function algebra is semi-simple and so the results generalize our previous results in [Bull. Tokyo Med. Coll. 17, 19-22 (1991)]. As a consequence of the results it is shown that only the zero operator is a ring derivation on a semi-simple commutative Banach algebra with the carrier space without an isolated point, which is a generalization of a theorem of \textit{N. R. Nandakumar} [Can. Math. Bull. 33, No. 1, 69-72 (1990; Zbl 0697.46020)].