Proving Primitive Roots of Odd Numbers Modulo pm

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of primitive roots in number theory, specifically focusing on odd numbers and their relationship to modulo operations with odd primes raised to positive integer powers.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants express confusion regarding the phrasing of the original question and its implications about odd numbers being primitive roots. There is a suggestion that the statement may need rephrasing for clarity, particularly regarding the conditions under which odd numbers can be considered primitive roots modulo p^m.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring the semantics of the original question and questioning the assumptions made about odd numbers and their properties as primitive roots. Some clarification has been sought, but no consensus has been reached yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the original question's wording may lead to misunderstandings, particularly concerning the relationship between odd numbers and their prime factors in the context of primitive roots.

Gear300
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Hello friends from afar.

I ran into what I felt to be somewhat of an odd question:

Prove that some odd numbers are primitive roots modulo pm for each odd prime p and each positive integer m.

It feels dodgy given that any odd number n = p1p2 ⋅⋅⋅ ps cannot be a primitive root of a prime number involved in its prime factorization. I just needed to be sure. Many thanks.
 
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The wording is quite disturbing and I stumbled upon the same argument as you. "some odd numbers" looks strange.
It would make more sense the other way around (or I didn't get the point either):

For each odd prime ##p## and each positive integer ##m## prove that some odd numbers are primitive roots modulo ##p^m.##
 
Indeed. I'm guessing yours is how it's done, since it seems like the original could be semantically interpreted like that. Thanks.
 
Gear300 said:
Hello friends from afar.

I ran into what I felt to be somewhat of an odd question:

Prove that some odd numbers are primitive roots modulo pm for each odd prime p and each positive integer m.

It feels dodgy given that any odd number n = p1p2 ⋅⋅⋅ ps cannot be a primitive root of a prime number involved in its prime factorization. I just needed to be sure. Many thanks.
In future posts, please don't delete the homework template...
 

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