A Commutative Banach Algebra with Factorization of Elements but not of Pairs (Q3974489)

Let \(A\) be a commutative Banach algebra. Let us say that \(A\) factors, if for every \(y\in A\) there exists \(a\) and \(x\) in \(A\) such that \(y=ax\). It is a consequence of P. J. Cohen's factorization theorem that for any commutative Banach algebra having a bounded approximate identity sequences factor, i.e., for \(y_i\in A\) there exist \(a\) and \(x_j\) in \(A\) \((j=1,2,\dots)\) such that \(y_ j=ax_ j\) \((j=1,2,\dots)\). In the paper under review an example of a nonseparable commutative Banach algebra \(A\) is given which factors, but for which pairs do not factor. In fact, if \(m\) is a one-point Gleason part in the spectrum of \(H^\infty\) such that \(\operatorname{kern} m\) contains a singular inner function, then \(A=\operatorname{kern} m\) is such an example. Reviewer's remark. The author's result immediately follows from K. Hoffman's theory on the maximal ideal space of \(H^\infty\) and from D. J. Newman's result that any maximal ideal outside the Shilov boundary contains a Blaschke product. It is implicitly contained in \textit{K. Hoffman} [Ann. Math. (2) 86, 74--111 (1967; Zbl 0192.48302)] and needs no additional proof. The real problem whether there exists a \textit{separable} commutative Banach algebra which factors, but which does not have a bounded approximate identity remains open. See also \textit{P. G. Dixon} [Math. Proc. Camb. Phil. Soc. 107, No. 3, 557--571 (1990; Zbl 0723.46034)] for related results.