How to Submit Solutions for POTW #330?

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on Problem of the Week (POTW) #330, which challenges participants to demonstrate that every composite number \( n \equiv 1 \pmod{\phi(n)} \) possesses at least three distinct prime divisors, with a stronger assertion that it actually has at least four. The problem emphasizes the significance of Euler's totient function \( \phi(n) \) in number theory. Participants are encouraged to submit their solutions through the designated forms on the Math Help Boards.

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  • Understanding of Euler's totient function \( \phi(n) \)
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  • Familiarity with prime factorization
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Mathematicians, students studying number theory, and anyone interested in solving advanced mathematical problems related to prime factorization and Euler's totient function.

Euge
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Here is this week's POTW:

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For $n$ a positive integer, let $\phi(n)$ be the number of positive integers not exceeding $n$ and coprime to $n$. Show that every composite number $n \equiv 1\pmod{\phi(n)}$ has at least three distinct prime divisors. (In fact, $n$ would have at least four distinct prime divisors. You can prove this harder result if you like.)
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Remember to read the https://mathhelpboards.com/showthread.php?772-Problem-of-the-Week-%28POTW%29-Procedure-and-Guidelines to find out how to https://mathhelpboards.com/forms.php?do=form&fid=2!
 
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No one answered this week's problem. You can read my solution below.
By way of contradiction, suppose $n$ has only two distinct prime factors. Since $n \equiv 1 \pmod{\phi(n)}$, $n$ is not divisible by the square of any prime, and thus $n = p_1 p_2$ for some distinct primes $p_1, p_2$. Consider the integer
$$\frac{n-1}{\phi(n)} = \frac{p_1p_2 -1}{(p_1 - 1)(p_2 - 1)} = 1 + \frac{1}{p_1 - 1} + \frac{1}{p_2 - 1}$$ The latter expression is greater than $1$ and no greater than $2.5$, so being an integer
$$1 + \frac{1}{p_1 - 1} + \frac{1}{p_2 - 1} = 2$$
This forces $p_1 = p_2 = 3$, contradicting the assumption that $p_1 \neq p_2$.
 

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