Separable MV-algebras and lattice-groups

Abstract

General theory determines the notion of separable MV-algebra (equivalently, of separable unital lattice-ordered Abelian group). We establish the following structure theorem: An MV-algebra is separable if, and only if, it is a finite product of algebras of rational numbers, i.e., of subalgebras of the MV-algebra $[0,1]\cap \mathbb{Q}$. Beyond its intrinsic algebraic interest, this research is motivated by the long-term programme of developing the algebraic geometry of the opposite of the categroy of MV-algebras, in analogy with the classical case of commutative $K$-algebras over a field $K$.

27 pages; references updated and a number of typos corrected