Self-Free Modules and E-Rings (Q4802444)

Let \(S\) be a commutative ring with identity and let \(M\) be a unital \(S\)-module. Then \(M\) is said to be self-free with basis \(X\) if \(X\) is a subset of \(M\) such that every function \(f\colon X\to M\) extends to a unique \(S\)-module homomorphism \(\varphi\colon M\to M\). This property was first considered by \textit{P. Bankston} and \textit{R. Schutt} under the name ``minimally \(|X|\)-free'' [Can. J. Math. 37, 963-978 (1985; Zbl 0563.08009)]. Self-free modules with basis a singleton set are E-modules. If \(M\) is self-free with basis \(X\) and \(M\) is slender, then \(M\) is a direct sum of \(|X|\) many copies of some fixed E-module \(H\). The authors also investigate additive groups of torsion-free rings without zero divisors. Using a result of \textit{D. M. Arnold} [Finite rank torsion-free Abelian groups and rings, Lect. Notes Math. 931, Springer-Verlag, Berlin (1982; Zbl 0493.20034)], they prove that a finite rank torsion-free ring without zero divisors is an E-ring iff its additive group is strongly indecomposable. An example of an indecomposable but not strongly indecomposable torsion-free E-ring of finite rank is provided. Some criteria for when an Abelian group is the additive group of an E-ring are also given.