Abstract

For each integer $n\geq 2,{\Bbb MV}_{n}$ denotes the variety of MV-algebras generated by the MV-chain with n elements. Algebras in ${\Bbb MV}_{n}$ are represented as continuous functions from a Boolean space into a n-element chain equipped with the discrete topology. Using these representations, maximal subalgebras of algebras in ${\Bbb MV}_{n}$ are characterized, and it is shown that proper subalgebras are intersection of maximal subalgebras. When $A\in {\Bbb MV}_{3}$, the mentioned characterization of maximal subalgebras of A can be given in terms of prime filters of the underlying lattice of A, in the form that was conjectured by A. Monteiro.