Derived Functors and Kan Extensions

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 27 views

Introduction

Derived functors, a fundamental concept in homological algebra, have been extensively studied and applied in various areas of mathematics. The notion of derived functors was first introduced by Grothendieck and later developed by Verdier. In this article, we will explore the relationship between derived functors and triangulated categories, with a focus on Verdier's notion of derived functors as Kan extensions along the localization of the homotopy category of complexes to the derived category.

Derived Functors and Kan Extensions

Derived functors can be viewed as a way to extend a functor from a category to its derived category. The derived category of a category $\mathcal{A}$ is a localization of the homotopy category of complexes, denoted by $K(\mathcal{A})$ . This localization is achieved by inverting the quasi-isomorphisms, which are morphisms of complexes that induce isomorphisms on homology.

Verdier's notion of derived functors as Kan extensions along the localization $K(\mathcal{A}) \to D(\mathcal{A})$ provides a way to define derived functors in terms of Kan extensions. A Kan extension is a way to extend a functor from a category to a larger category, while preserving certain properties. In this case, the Kan extension is used to extend a functor from the homotopy category of complexes to the derived category.

Triangulated Categories

A triangulated category is a category that has a distinguished class of morphisms, called distinguished triangles, which satisfy certain properties. These properties include the existence of a zero object, the existence of a distinguished triangle for every morphism, and the existence of a distinguished triangle for every pair of morphisms.

Triangulated categories are important in algebraic geometry and homological algebra, as they provide a way to study the properties of complexes and their homology. The derived category of a category $\mathcal{A}$ is a triangulated category, and the derived functors can be viewed as a way to extend a functor from the homotopy category of complexes to the derived category.

Why are Derived Functors Triangulated?

The derived functors are triangulated because they preserve the distinguished triangles of the derived category. This means that if we have a distinguished triangle in the derived category, the derived functor will map it to a distinguished triangle in the target category.

To see why this is the case, let's consider a distinguished triangle in the derived category:

A \to B \to C \to A[1]

where $A$ , $B$ , and $C$ are complexes, and $A[1]$ is the complex $A$ shifted by one degree. The derived functor $F$ will map this triangle to a triangle in the target category:

F(A) \to F(B) \to F(C) \to F(A[1])

Since the derived functor preserves the quasi-isomorphisms, it will also preserve the distinguished triangles. This means that the triangle in the target category is also a distinguished triangle.

Properties of Derived Functors

Derived functors have several important properties that make them useful in homological algebra. These properties include:

Preservation of quasi-isomorphisms: Derived functors preserve the quasi-isomorphisms, which means that they map quasi-isomorphisms to quasi-isomorphisms.
Preservation of distinguished triangles: Derived functors preserve the distinguished triangles, which means that they map distinguished triangles to distinguished triangles.
Additivity: Derived functors are additive, which means that they preserve the addition of complexes.

These properties make derived functors a powerful tool in homological algebra, as they provide a way to study the properties of complexes and their homology.

Conclusion

In conclusion, derived functors are triangulated because they preserve the distinguished triangles of the derived category. This means that if we have a distinguished triangle in the derived category, the derived functor will map it to a distinguished triangle in the target category. Derived functors have several important properties that make them useful in homological algebra, including the preservation of quasi-isomorphisms, the preservation of distinguished triangles, and additivity.

References

Verdier, J.-L. (1963). "Cohomologie etale des schemas algebriques". Seminaire de Geometrie Algebrique, 1962-1963.
Grothendieck, A. (1957). "Sur quelques points d'algèbre homologique". Tohoku Mathematical Journal, 9(2), 119-221.
Quillen, D. (1967). "Homotopy theory of model categories". In Proceedings of the International Congress of Mathematicians (Vol. 1, pp. 85-90).

Q: What is the relationship between derived functors and triangulated categories?

A: Derived functors are a way to extend a functor from a category to its derived category, which is a localization of the homotopy category of complexes. The derived category is a triangulated category, and the derived functors preserve the distinguished triangles of the derived category.

Q: What is a triangulated category?

A: A triangulated category is a category that has a distinguished class of morphisms, called distinguished triangles, which satisfy certain properties. These properties include the existence of a zero object, the existence of a distinguished triangle for every morphism, and the existence of a distinguished triangle for every pair of morphisms.

Q: Why are derived functors triangulated?

A: Derived functors are triangulated because they preserve the distinguished triangles of the derived category. This means that if we have a distinguished triangle in the derived category, the derived functor will map it to a distinguished triangle in the target category.

Q: What are the properties of derived functors?

A: Derived functors have several important properties that make them useful in homological algebra. These properties include:

Preservation of quasi-isomorphisms: Derived functors preserve the quasi-isomorphisms, which means that they map quasi-isomorphisms to quasi-isomorphisms.
Preservation of distinguished triangles: Derived functors preserve the distinguished triangles, which means that they map distinguished triangles to distinguished triangles.
Additivity: Derived functors are additive, which means that they preserve the addition of complexes.

Q: What is the significance of derived functors in homological algebra?

A: Derived functors are a powerful tool in homological algebra, as they provide a way to study the properties of complexes and their homology. They are used to define derived functors, which are a way to extend a functor from a category to its derived category.

Q: Can you give an example of a derived functor?

A: Yes, a classic example of a derived functor is the functor $R\Gamma(X, -)$ , which assigns to each complex of sheaves on a topological space $X$ its cohomology groups. This functor is a derived functor, and it preserves the distinguished triangles of the derived category of complexes of sheaves.

Q: What is the relationship between derived functors and Kan extensions?

A: Derived functors can be viewed as a way to extend a functor from a category to its derived category, which is a localization of the homotopy category of complexes. Kan extensions are a way to extend a functor from a category to a larger category, while preserving certain properties. Derived functors can be viewed as a special case of Kan extensions.

Q: What are some applications of derived functors in mathematics?

A: Derived functors have many applications in mathematics, including:

Algebraic geometry: Derived functors are used to study the properties of schemes and their cohomology.
Homological algebra: Derived functors are used to study the properties of complexes and their homology.
Topology: Derived functors are used to study the properties of topological spaces and their cohomology.

Q: What are some resources for learning more about derived functors and triangulated categories?

A: There are many resources available for learning more about derived functors and triangulated categories, including:

Books: "An introduction to homological algebra" by Charles A. Weibel, "Methods of homological algebra" by I. M. Gelfand and Y. I. Manin, and "Model categories" by Mark Hovey.
Papers: "Cohomologie etale des schemas algebriques" by Jean-Louis Verdier, "Sur quelques points d'algèbre homologique" by Alexander Grothendieck, and "Homotopy theory of model categories" by Daniel Quillen.
Online resources: The n-Category Cafe, MathOverflow, and the arXiv.