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pjc11
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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!