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FirstNonZero    --    the first non-zero entry in a MODULEELEM


Syntax 
FirstNonZero(V: MODULEELEM): RINGELEM

Description
This function returns the first non-zero entry of V. If it is handed a zero MODULEELEM then an error is signalled.

Example 
/**/  use R ::= QQ[x,y,z];
/**/  R5 := NewFreeModule(R,5);
/**/  V := ModuleElem(R5, [0,  0,  x^2+y*z,  0,  z^2]);

/**/  FirstNonZero(V);
x^2 +y*z

/**/  FirstNonZeroPosn(V);
3

See Also