Show that it's a solution and solve the primarities...

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around proving that certain expressions are solutions to modular equations, specifically using Fermat's Little Theorem and Euler's theorem. Participants also attempt to solve specific modular equations as part of the exercise.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes that for a prime \( p \) and \( p \nmid a \), \( a^{p-2}b \) is a solution to \( ax \equiv b \pmod{p} \) based on Fermat's theorem.
  • Another participant agrees with the reasoning but points out two calculation mistakes in the solutions provided for the modular equations.
  • A participant suggests that the solution for \( 3x \equiv 17 \pmod{29} \) should be \( x \equiv 2 \pmod{29} \) and for \( 10x \equiv 21 \pmod{49} \) should be \( x \equiv 7 \pmod{49} \).
  • There is uncertainty expressed about whether the corrections made are indeed correct.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the initial reasoning regarding the application of theorems, but there is disagreement and uncertainty regarding the correctness of the specific calculations for the modular equations.

Contextual Notes

Some calculations presented are contested, and there is a lack of consensus on the correct solutions to the modular equations. The discussion reflects ongoing refinement of ideas rather than settled conclusions.

evinda
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Hello! (Wave)

I am looking at the following exercise:

  • Let $p$ a prime and $p \nmid a$,prove that $a^{p-2}b$ is a solution of $\displaystyle{ax \equiv b \pmod p}$
    Solve: $2x \equiv 1 \pmod{31} \\ 3x \equiv 17 \pmod{29}$
  • If $(a,n)=1$,prove that $a^{\phi(n)-1}b$ is a solution of $\displaystyle{ax \equiv b \pmod n}$
    Solve: $3x \equiv 5 \pmod{26} \\ 10x \equiv 21 \pmod{49}$

That'a what I have tried:


  • $$(a,p)=1$$
    So,from Fermat's theorem:

    $$a^{p-1} \equiv 1 \pmod p \Rightarrow a \cdot a^{p-2}b \equiv b \pmod p$$

    $$\text{So, } a^{p-2}b \text{ is a solution of } ax \equiv b \pmod p$$

    $$2x \equiv 1 \pmod {31}$$
    $$\text{As } (2,31)=1,\text{ there is exactly one solution,and according to the exercise,it is this one: } 2^{31-2}=2^{29}$$
    $$x \equiv 2^{29}\pmod {31} \Rightarrow x \equiv 16 \pmod{31}$$$$3x \equiv 17 \pmod{29}, (3,17)=1, \text{ so there is exactly one solution,and according to the exercise,it is this one: } 3^{29-2} \cdot 17$$
    $$x \equiv 3^{29-2} \cdot 17 \pmod{19} \Rightarrow x \equiv 12 \pmod{29}$$
  • $$(a,n)=1, \text{ so from Euler's theorem: } a^{\phi(n)} \equiv 1 \pmod n$$
    $$a \cdot a^{\phi(n)-1} \equiv 1 \pmod n \Rightarrow a \cdot b a^{\phi(n)-1} \equiv b \mod n$$

    $$So, b a^{\phi(n)-1} \text{ is a solution of } ax \equiv b \pmod n$$

    $$3x \equiv 5 \pmod{26} , (3,16=1), \text{ so the only solution is : } 3^{\phi(26)-1}5=3^{11} \cdot 5 \equiv 19 \pmod{26} $$

    $$10x \equiv 21 \pmod{49}, (10,49)=1, \text{ so the only solution is : } 10^{\phi(49)-1}21=10^{41} \cdot 21\equiv 10 \pmod{49}$$

Could you tell me if it is right or if I have done something wrong? (Thinking)
 
Last edited:
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Hi! (Smile)

Your reasoning is flawless! (Sun)

But... it appears you have made 2 calculation mistakes. (Worried)
 
I like Serena said:
Hi! (Smile)

Your reasoning is flawless! (Sun)
(Clapping)(Clapping)

I like Serena said:
But... it appears you have made 2 calculation mistakes. (Worried)

Oh yes , you are right!
At $3x \equiv 17 \pmod{29}$ the solution must be: $x \equiv 2 \pmod{29}$ and at $10x \equiv 21 \pmod{49}$,the solution must be $x \equiv 7 \mod{49}$.

Or am I wrong? (Thinking)
 
evinda said:
Oh yes , you are right!
At $3x \equiv 17 \pmod{29}$ the solution must be: $x \equiv 2 \pmod{29}$ and at $10x \equiv 21 \pmod{49}$,the solution must be $x \equiv 7 \mod{49}$.

Or am I wrong? (Thinking)

You found them! (Nod)

Well... I think still one of them is wrong. (Worried)
 

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