Cayley table for group of points on elliptic curve

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The discussion focuses on constructing a Cayley table for the group of points on the elliptic curve y^2=x^3+x+4 over the field F7. Participants clarify that there are more group elements than initially identified, including the point (0,-2) or (0,5), emphasizing the importance of recognizing that most numbers have two square roots in this context. The correct method for point addition on the elliptic curve involves drawing a line between two points to find a third intersection point, then using that point to find the sum with the point at infinity. There is a consensus that the initial understanding of the group law and the number of elements was incomplete. The conversation highlights the need for careful verification of both the group elements and the addition process.
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Homework Statement


Construct the Cayley table for the group of points on the elliptic curve y^2=x^3+x+4 over the field F7 of integers modulo seven.

The Attempt at a Solution


So I'm familiar with the constructing a Cayley table, but I've not encountered the group of points on the elliptic curve before.

1. Am I right that over the field of integers modulo seven, there are only 4 group elements: the point at infinity, (0,2), (2,0) and (5,1)? (I took x=0,1,2,... found only these integer values of y.)

2. If I understand this correctly, the composition law is to construct a line intersecting any of these two points, and find a third point of intersection between this line and the curve. The problem is, if I take any of the 2 points above, I don't seem to obtain other group elements and maintain closure. Did I misunderstand something in step 1?
 
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You're missing a few values in (1). For example, (0,-2) (or (0,5) equivalently). Remember that most numbers have two square roots! So I would recheck your solutions in (1).

Also, I don't think your group law is correct. To my knowledge, to add points P and Q, we draw the line between P and Q and take the third intersection point. Call this R. Then draw the line between R and the point on infinity, then the third intersection point is P+Q.
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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