Proof Two Primitive Root Conditions Are Equivalent

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on proving the equivalence of two conditions characterizing primitive roots modulo a nonzero integer n, specifically when gcd(a, n) = 1. Condition (i) states that a is primitive modulo n if the order of a equals φ(n). Condition (ii) asserts that a is primitive modulo n if every element b with gcd(b, n) = 1 can be expressed as b ≡ a^j mod n for some nonnegative integer j. The proof requires demonstrating that the integers a^0, a^1, ..., a^(φ(n)-1) lie in distinct congruence classes modulo n, establishing that these powers form a reduced residue system.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of primitive roots and their properties
  • Familiarity with Euler's totient function, φ(n)
  • Knowledge of congruences and modular arithmetic
  • Basic number theory concepts, particularly gcd (greatest common divisor)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of Euler's totient function, φ(n), and its applications
  • Learn about reduced residue systems and their significance in number theory
  • Explore proofs involving primitive roots and their implications in modular arithmetic
  • Investigate the relationship between powers of integers and their congruences with respect to gcd
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students of number theory, mathematicians focusing on modular arithmetic, and anyone interested in understanding the properties of primitive roots and their proofs.

golmschenk
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Homework Statement


Let n be a nonzero integer and let a be an integer with gcd(a, n) = 1. We have two equivalent conditions which characterize primitive roots:
(i) a is primitive modulo n if the order of a is \phi(n).
(ii) a is primitive modulo n if for every element b with gcd(b, n) = 1 we have b \equiv a^{j} mod n for some nonnegative integer j.
Write out the complete proof that condition (i) implies condition (ii). To do this, show first that the integers a^{0}, a^{1},..., a^{\phi(n)-1} must lie in distinct congruence classes modulo n. Then explain why this implies condition (ii).

2. The attempt at a solution
I'm trying to figure out how to do the first part of showing that a^{0}, a^{1},..., a^{\phi(n)-1} must lie in distinct congruence classes modulo n. I realize that because the numbers are relatively prime has to do something with it. How is the a number taken to a power related to a number it's relatively prime to? I don't necessarily even want the full answer for the question, just more a push in the right direction. I guess of course the full answer wouldn't be bad either though. Maybe with spoiler tags around it would be good? Thanks!
 
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golmschenk said:
Let n be a nonzero integer and let a be an integer with gcd(a, n) = 1. We have two equivalent conditions which characterize primitive roots:
(i) a is primitive modulo n if the order of a is \phi(n).
(ii) a is primitive modulo n if for every element b with gcd(b, n) = 1 we have b \equiv a^{j} mod n for some nonnegative integer j.
If the order of a is k=\phi(n), {a^{i} | i=1,2,..,k} is a reduced residue system mod n. If gcd(b, n) = 1 , b is congruent to some element in the
reduced residue system mod n & hence to a power of a.
 
Eynstone said:
If the order of a is k=\phi(n), {a^{i} | i=1,2,..,k} is a reduced residue system mod n.
Why? Thanks!
 

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