Number thory- fermet's little theorm

  • Thread starter yeland404
  • Start date
In summary, we are trying to prove that if a and b are integers not divisible by a prime number p, and if a^p is congruent to b^p, then a^p is congruent to b^p mod p^2. This can be proven using Binomial series by expanding a and b in terms of mp + r and np + r, where m and n are integers and r is the remainder when a or b is divided by p. By expanding and removing terms that are divisible by p^2, we can show that a^p and b^p will produce the same remainder when divided by p^2.
  • #1
yeland404
23
0

Homework Statement


let a and b be integers that not divisible by the prime number p
if a^p[itex]\equiv[/itex]b^p, prove that a^p[itex]\equiv[/itex]b^p mod p^2

Homework Equations



if a^p[itex]\equiv[/itex]b^p, prove that a[itex]\equiv[/itex]b mod p

The Attempt at a Solution


I already get that a[itex]\equiv[/itex]b mod p , then how can I get a^p[itex]\equiv[/itex]b^p mod p^2 under the a^p[itex]\equiv[/itex]b^p mod p
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Hi ... i dono how to get the result a^p≡b^p mod p^2 using Fermat's theorem . But , the result can be proven using Binomial series.
Let a = mp + r , b = np + r where m and n are arbitrary integers.r is also an integer that denotes the remainder when a or b is divided by p.It is clear that our definition for a and b satisfy the intermediate result a≡b mod p = r.

ap ≡ (mp + r )p mod p2

Expanding RHS by binomial series and removing the terms which is exactly divisible by p^2 , we get ,

(mp + r )p mod p2 ≡ rp mod p2

similarly , bp ≡ (np + r )p mod p2 ≡ rp mod p2

Thus , it is proved that a^p and b^p will produce the same remainder when divided by p^2

Hope that u can understand this explanation... if not , post me the steps that you didnt understand ... i ll try to explain in detail
 
Last edited:

1. What is Fermat's Little Theorem?

Fermat's Little Theorem is a fundamental theorem in number theory, named after the French mathematician Pierre de Fermat. It states that if p is a prime number, then for any integer a, the remainder of ap divided by p is equal to a. In other words, ap is congruent to a modulo p.

2. How is Fermat's Little Theorem used in cryptography?

Fermat's Little Theorem is used in cryptography as a basis for the RSA algorithm, one of the most widely used encryption algorithms in modern technology. It allows for secure communication by using the fact that it is easy to compute ap modulo p, but difficult to compute p given ap modulo p.

3. What is the significance of Fermat's Little Theorem in number theory?

Fermat's Little Theorem is significant in number theory because it provides a powerful tool for proving theorems and solving problems involving prime numbers. It also has applications in other areas of mathematics, such as cryptography and group theory.

4. Is Fermat's Little Theorem only applicable to prime numbers?

Yes, Fermat's Little Theorem only applies to prime numbers. This is because when p is a composite number, ap can have multiple factors and therefore cannot be congruent to a modulo p.

5. Are there any generalizations of Fermat's Little Theorem?

Yes, there are generalizations of Fermat's Little Theorem, such as Euler's totient theorem and Carmichael's theorem. These theorems extend the concept of Fermat's Little Theorem to non-prime moduli and different types of numbers. They are also used in various mathematical applications, including cryptography.

Similar threads

  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
957
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
16
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
849
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
1K
Back
Top