In abstract algebra, the Artin-Wedderburn theorem is a classification theorem for semisimple rings. The theorem states that a semisimple ring R is isomorphic to a product of n_i-by-n_i matrix rings over division rings D_i, for some integers n_i, both of which are uniquely determined up to permutation of the index i. In particular, this implies that any simple left or right Artinian ring is isomorphic to an n-by-n matrix ring over a division ring D, where both n and D are uniquely determined.

As a direct corollary, the Artin-Wedderburn theorem implies that every simple ring that is finite-dimensional over a division ring (a simple algebra) is a matrix ring. This is Joseph Wedderburn 's original result. Emil Artin later generalized it to the case of Artinian rings.

Note that if R is a finite-dimensional simple algebra over a division ring E, D need not be contained in E. For example, matrix rings over the complex numbers are finite-dimensional simple algebras over the real numbers.

The Artin-Wedderburn theorem reduces classifying simple rings over a division ring to classifying division rings that contain a given division ring. This in turn can be simplified: The center of D must be a field K. Therefore R is a K-algebra, and itself has K as its center. A finite-dimensional simple algebra R is thus a central simple algebra over K. Thus the Artin-Wedderburn theorem reduces the problem of classifying finite-dimensional central simple algebras to the problem of classifying division rings with given center.

Examples

Let R by the field of real numbers, C be the field of complex numbers, and H the quaternions.

• Every finite-dimensional simple algebra over R must be a matrix ring over R, C, or H. Every central simple algebra over R must be a matrix ring over R or H.
• Every finite-dimensional simple algebra over C must be a matrix ring over C or H. Every central simple algebra over C must be a matrix ring over C.
• Every finite-dimensional central simple algebra over a finite field must be a matrix ring over that field.

See also

• Maschke's theorem