Determining a differential on an exterior algebra Let V be a graded vector space (over <m

Gregory Olson

Gregory Olson

Answered question

2022-06-01

Determining a differential on an exterior algebra
Let V be a graded vector space (over N). Determine a derivation on the free, graded-commutative algebra Λ V it suffices to define it on V. I don't understand why this is so. Presumably it's referring to the fact that Λ is left adjoint to the forgetful functor from commutative graded algebras to graded vector spaces, that's ok, but the problem is that the differential on a graded vector space is not supposed to be a morphism of graded commutative algebras, but a derivation!
What's going on?

Answer & Explanation

Karson Stokes

Karson Stokes

Beginner2022-06-02Added 4 answers

First, the functor Λ is left adjoint to the forgetful functor from commutative graded algebras to graded modules. Λ V has a concrete description as a quotient of the tensor algebra T V.
The claim is that the forgetful functor from commutative differential graded algebras to graded differential modules (chain complexes) has a left adjoint, also denoted Λ, such that, when forgetting the differentials, it coincides with the previous Λ.
The differential d Λ in Λ V where V is a differential graded module can be defined explicitely.We have T V = k V V V … where k is the base commutative ring.
Define d Λ to be zero on k, to be d V on V, and on V V what it has to be is forced upon us by the Leibniz rule:
d Λ ( v w ) = ( d Λ v ) w + ( 1 ) | v | v d Λ w .
On the higher tensors one proceeds by induction and the Leibniz rule, analogously. One quickly checks that d Λ is a differential, a derivation, such that Λ is a functor and a left adjoint to the forgetful functor.

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