Is the Set of Nilpotent Element an Ideal?
Problem 620
Is it true that a set of nilpotent elements in a ring $R$ is an ideal of $R$?
If so, prove it. Otherwise give a counterexample.

Is it true that a set of nilpotent elements in a ring $R$ is an ideal of $R$?
If so, prove it. Otherwise give a counterexample.
Let $R$ be a ring with unit $1\neq 0$.
Prove that if $M$ is an ideal of $R$ such that $R/M$ is a field, then $M$ is a maximal ideal of $R$.
(Do not assume that the ring $R$ is commutative.)