# Math Help - Unions of subrings

1. ## Unions of subrings

I need some help showing that if S and T are subrings of R, then the union of S and T is a subring of R. Any ideas how to start?

2. Originally Posted by Eagle3
I need some help showing that if S and T are subrings of R, then the union of S and T is a subring of R. Any ideas how to start?
This is a problem solved in a straightforward way by following the definitions. I start you off. If $a,b\in S\cap T$ then $a\in S, a\in T$ and $b\in S,b\in T$. Thus, $a+b\in S,a+b\in T$ because $S,T$ are subrings. And so $a+b\in S\cap T$. Thus, $S\cap T$ is closed under addition. Now you need to check the other conditions.

3. ## Union of subrings

Are you saying that the same argument holds for S U T. If so, isn't there a possibility that a+b could be in R, but not in S U T?

4. Originally Posted by Eagle3
Are you saying that the same argument holds for S U T. If so, isn't there a possibility that a+b could be in R, but not in S U T?
Intersection of subrings is always a subring (look at above post). However, the union of subrings is not always a subring unless one ring is contained in another.

5. ## Union of subrings

That is what I thought. I just could find a way to prove that it was true and logically I could see where it might not be true.

Thanks