The question is as follows : "Show that the ideal (2(1 + i)) of Z(i) has for Z-basis 4,2(1 + i)". It is clear to me that i can obtain 4 by multiplicating 2(1+i) by (1-i), but if 4 can be obtained that way, what is the purpose of that specific base. I clearly am missing something, since i do not know,exactly, what a Z-basis is. Any help would be appreciated .