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koukou
Sep28-09, 09:38 PM
Recall the definition of n! (read n factorial"):
n! = (n)(n-1)(n-2) ….(2)(1) =∏(k)
In both (a) and (b) below, suppose p≥3 is prime.
(a) Prove that if x∈ Zpx is a solution to x square ≡1 (mod p), then x ≡±1 (mod p).
(b) Prove that (p-1)!≡±1 (mod p)

Zpx x shoud be above p

a and b looks like some theorem proof

MathematicalPhysicist
Sep29-09, 07:07 AM
Hints:
1. factorise x^2-1=(x-1)(x+1).

2. this theorem is called wilson theorem.

robert Ihnot
Oct2-09, 02:40 AM
Hint: (2) can be looked at as a case of a and its inverse. The first part, (1) plays a special role in that.