Maths WorkshopMaths problems with full solutions
Exercise 1872Algebra › Rings and fieldsL1Added 3 Nov 2026

The Gaussian integers $\mathbb{Z}[i]$

#Gaussian integers#ring#norm

Statement

Show that Z[i]={a+bi:a,b∈Z}\mathbb{Z}[i]=\{a+bi:a,b\in\mathbb{Z}\} is an integral domain, and compute the units.

Hint

Define the norm N(a+bi)=a2+b2N(a+bi)=a^2+b^2, which is multiplicative. Find elements of norm 11.

Show solutionHide solution

Solution

Ring. Closed under addition/subtraction and multiplication: (a+bi)(c+di)=(ac−bd)+(ad+bc)i(a+bi)(c+di)=(ac-bd)+(ad+bc)i with integer coefficients. Commutative with unit 11.

Integral domain. Z[i]⊆C\mathbb{Z}[i]\subseteq\mathbb{C}, which is a field, so no zero divisors.

Norm. N(z)=zzˉ=a2+b2∈Z≥0N(z)=z\bar z=a^2+b^2\in\mathbb{Z}_{\ge0}, multiplicative: N(zw)=N(z)N(w)N(zw)=N(z)N(w).

Units. uu is a unit iff N(u)=1N(u)=1 (since u−1u^{-1} would have norm 1/N(u)1/N(u), and this must be an integer). Solutions of a2+b2=1a^2+b^2=1: (±1,0),(0,±1)(\pm1,0),(0,\pm1). So units are ±1,±i\pm1,\pm i.

Conclusion. Z[i]\mathbb{Z}[i] is an integral domain with units {±1,±i}\{\pm1,\pm i\}.