On the \(K_{-i}\)-functors (Q797672)

Bass defined lower algebraic K-groups \(K_{-i}(R)\), \(i>0\), of a ring R inductively via the exact sequences \[ K_{-i}(R[t])\oplus K_{- i}(R[t^{-1}])\to K_{-i}(R[t,t^{-1}])\to K_{-i-1}(R)\to 0. \] This contrasts with the usual matrix-inspired definitions of \(K_ i\), \(i\geq 0\). The author supplies both a Grothendieck-style (elements represented by objects) and a Whitehead-style (elements represented by automorphisms) definition of lower K-groups. These are based on categories derived from the category of \({\mathbb{Z}}^ i\)-graded R-modules and bounded homomorphisms.