Unique factorization in polynomial rings with zero divisors

Abstract

Given a certain factorization property of a ring [Formula: see text], we can ask if this property extends to the polynomial ring over [Formula: see text] or vice versa. For example, it is well known that [Formula: see text] is a unique factorization domain if and only if [Formula: see text] is a unique factorization domain. If [Formula: see text] is not a domain, this is no longer true. In this paper, we survey unique factorization in commutative rings with zero divisors, and characterize when a polynomial ring over an arbitrary commutative ring has unique factorization.