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kohb
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Homework Statement
a > 1, k > 0. Show that k divides \phi(a^k - 1), where \phi is Euler's totient function (Hint: use some group theory).
Homework Equations
If n = p_1^{a_1}p_2^{a_2}...p_m^{a_m}, then \phi(n) = n(1 - 1/p_1)(1 - 1/p_2)...(1 - 1/p_m)
The Attempt at a Solution
I guess that I need somehow use the fact that \phi(n) is an order of multiplicative group U(Z/nZ), but I don't see how.
Any suggestions are appreciated!
Thanks!