📝 SummarXiv

Abstract

Building on the recent works of Inan [4] and Almahareeq-Peters-Vergili [1], we develop a rigorous axiomatic foundation for approximate algebra via an algebra-compatible closure operator $\Phi^{\!*}$ satisfying (C1)-(C4a) together with the balanced multiplicativity axiom (C4b) (and absorption required only for ideals). Our framework encompasses a theory of approximate modules with their isomorphism theorems, the construction of an approximate Zariski topology on the prime spectrum, and a compatible theory of localization. Key results include a $\mathrm{T}_0$ property and a $\mathrm{T}_1$-criterion for the spectrum, an extension-contraction bijection for approximate prime ideals in localizations, and the equality of the approximate prime radical and the nilradical. The theory's utility is illustrated by computing $\mathrm{Spec}_{\!\Phi}(\mathbb{Z})$ for the modular closure $\Phi^{\!*}(A)=\langle A\rangle+m\mathbb{Z}$, which yields a finite discrete space -- in stark contrast to the classical $\mathrm{Spec}(\mathbb{Z})$, which is infinite and not even $\mathrm{T}_1$. We also outline a pathway toward an Approximate Nullstellensatz and record model classes of closures that ensure its evaluation-separation hypothesis.