Number Theory and Euler phi-function

In summary, the statement shows that for a prime p and positive integer n, p does not divide n if and only if the totient function of np is equal to (p-1) times the totient function of n. This is proven using Theorem 1, which states that the totient function of a prime is equal to p-1, and Theorem 2, which states that the totient function of two relatively prime numbers is equal to the product of their individual totient functions.
  • #1
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Homework Statement



Let p be prime. Show that p n, where n is a positive integer, iff [itex]\phi[/itex](np) = (p-1)[itex]\phi[/itex](n).

Homework Equations



Theorem 1: If p is prime, then [itex]\phi[/itex](p) = p-1. Conversely, if p is a positive integer with [itex]\phi[/itex](p) = p-1, then p is prime.

Theorem 2: Let m and n be relatively prime positive numbers. Then [itex]\phi[/itex](mn) = [itex]\phi[/itex](m)[itex]\phi[/itex](n).

The Attempt at a Solution



Assume that p n.
By Theorem 2, [itex]\phi[/itex](np) = [itex]\phi[/itex](n)[itex]\phi[/itex](p).
By Theorem 1, [itex]\phi[/itex](np) = [itex]\phi[/itex](n)[itex]\cdot[/itex](p-1).
So, if p n, then [itex]\phi[/itex](np) = (p-1)[itex]\cdot[/itex][itex]\phi[/itex](n).

Now, assume that [itex]\phi[/itex](np) = (p-1)[itex]\phi[/itex](n).
By Theorem 1, [itex]\phi[/itex](np) = [itex]\phi[/itex](p)[itex]\phi[/itex](n), since p is prime.

...and, that's it. I can't use Theorem 2 to show that n and p are relatively prime, so I'm not entirely sure what to do next. p is prime, so n p, but I don't see anything to base a conclusion of p n.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!
 
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  • #2
If a prime p doesn't divide n then aren't p and n relatively prime? A common divisor of p and n must divide p. Think about it.
 

1. What is Number Theory and why is it important?

Number Theory is a branch of mathematics that studies the properties of integers and their relationships. It is important because it forms the foundation for many other areas of mathematics, and has practical applications in fields such as cryptography and coding theory.

2. What is the Euler phi-function and what does it measure?

The Euler phi-function, also known as Euler's totient function, is a mathematical function that counts the number of positive integers less than a given number that are relatively prime to that number. In other words, it measures the number of positive integers that are coprime with a given number.

3. How is the Euler phi-function calculated?

The Euler phi-function is calculated by using a formula that involves the prime factorization of a given number. Specifically, the formula is Φ(n) = n * (1 - 1/p1) * (1 - 1/p2) * ... * (1 - 1/pk), where n is the given number and p1, p2, ..., pk are the distinct prime factors of n.

4. What are some real-world applications of the Euler phi-function?

One of the main applications of the Euler phi-function is in the field of cryptography, where it is used to generate keys for encryption and decryption. It is also used in coding theory to construct error-correcting codes. Additionally, the Euler phi-function has applications in number theory itself, such as in the study of prime numbers and quadratic residues.

5. What are some important theorems related to the Euler phi-function?

Some important theorems related to the Euler phi-function include Euler's theorem, which states that a^Φ(n) ≡ 1 (mod n) if a and n are coprime, and the Chinese remainder theorem, which uses the Euler phi-function to solve systems of congruences. Another important result is the Euler-Fermat theorem, which states that a^Φ(n) ≡ 1 (mod n) for all a, where n is a prime number.

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