Infinitely many solutions ? n*phi(n)=k

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the equation n*phi(n)=k!, where phi represents Euler's totient function. Participants explore whether there are infinitely many solutions for positive integers n and k, examining specific cases and mathematical properties related to prime factors and divisibility.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant lists several solutions for n, including 1, 2, 3, 15, 105, 420, 1260, and 13860, and questions the infinitude of solutions.
  • Another participant suggests that there may only be finitely many solutions based on the properties of primes in specific intervals and the divisibility conditions of k!.
  • A participant seeks clarification on the term 'ord' used in the context of prime factorization, indicating a need for clearer definitions in the discussion.
  • Clarification is provided that 'ordp(n)' refers to the exponent of prime p in the prime factorization of n, which is relevant for analyzing the equation.
  • There is a discussion about the existence of primes congruent to certain values within specific intervals and references to known results like Bertrand's Postulate, though confirmation of broader cases remains uncertain.
  • One participant proposes a method to express k! as a product involving multiple instances of n and phi(n), indicating a complexity in finding unique solutions for each k!.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the number of solutions to the equation, with some suggesting there are infinitely many while others argue for a finite number based on mathematical reasoning. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the overall question of infinitude.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions made about prime distributions and the specific conditions under which the claims hold. Some mathematical steps and references to established results are not fully confirmed within the thread.

Gaussianheart
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n integer >0

n*phi(n)=k! (phi is Euler totient)

Are there infinitely many solutions ?
The first few solutions

n =
1
2
3
15
105
420
1260
13860

Thank you for any comment
 
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If you add one more number to your list, I think it will be complete.

If p[itex]\in[/itex](k/3,k/2], then ordp(k!)=2. Assume further that 2p+1 is not a prime. Then by analysing p-divisibility on the left side, you find p|n and that ordp(n[itex]\varphi[/itex](n)) is odd.

Now, by the PNT for arithmetic sequences, for all sufficiently large k, there will always be a prime p[itex]\equiv[/itex]1 mod 3 in (k/3,k/2], in particular 2p+1 is not prime, so the equation can only have finitely many solutions. I don't know if someone has proved a Bertrand type result that will guarantee that your lists stop at k=13.
 
Hi, Norwegian,
I'm interested in your solution but I can't follow the first statement. What is 'ord'? It can't be multiplicative order (mod p) since, in this context, p divides k!.
 
By ordp(n), I mean the exponent of p in the prime factorization of n, and for the next argument you need to know that the prime factors of [itex]\varphi[/itex](n) are the multiple prime factors of n as well as the factors of p-1 where p|n.

What I could not find confirmation of, was that for m>some very low number, there is always a prime congruent 1 mod 3 (or 2 mod 5) between k/3 and k/2. Erdös did prove Bertrands Postulate for primes congruent 1 mod 4 and some other cases, and this seem to have been extended to other low moduli, and to more narrow intervals, although I was not able to find a good reference.
 
Ah, thanks, now I see where you go. If p is an odd prime in the range (k/3,k/2] and 2p+1 is not prime, then p cannot divide any of the (q-1) factors of phi(n), for primes q|n (because q is neither p+1 nor 2p+1, and any larger prime of the form mp+1 is larger than k and does not play a role here). Therefore ordp(phi(n)) = ordp(n)-1, and your contradiction ensues.

So, as the range (k/3,k/2] gets wider, a prime in that range such that 2p+1 is composite is increasingly easier to find (your question is: is that guaranteed? no idea), as any of p==1 mod 3, p==2 mod 5, p==3 mod 7, or a large etcetera, would make 2p+1 composite.
 
Thanx lot for your explanations.
I think that I have found a way to write any factorial or at least an infinite number of factorials (there are many solutions that"s the problem!?) as :

k!=(m*phi(m))*(n*phi(n))

I was trying to find unique solution for each k! but it seems not doable.

Example :

14!=(210*phi(210))*(6006*phi(6006))

m=210
n=6006
 
Last edited:

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