Solving Congruence | Prime Numbers | 11^((p-1)/2) = 1 modp

  • Thread starter Thread starter regularngon
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving the congruence equation 11^((p-1)/2) ≡ 1 (mod p) for prime numbers p. Participants reference Fermat's Little Theorem, which states that a^(p-1) ≡ 1 (mod p) for any prime p and integer a not divisible by p. The consensus indicates that the solution requires identifying primes p such that (p-1)/2 is also prime, leading to a specific subset of primes that satisfy the equation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of congruences and modular arithmetic
  • Familiarity with Fermat's Little Theorem
  • Basic knowledge of prime numbers and their properties
  • Experience with mathematical proofs and problem-solving techniques
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of Fermat's Little Theorem in greater detail
  • Research the properties of twin primes and their relevance to the equation
  • Explore advanced topics in number theory, particularly related to congruences
  • Practice solving similar congruence problems to reinforce understanding
USEFUL FOR

Mathematics students, educators, and enthusiasts interested in number theory, particularly those focusing on prime numbers and congruences.

regularngon
Messages
19
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Find all primes p (as a congruence) such that 11^((p-1)/2) = 1 modp

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm new to congruences and I don't really know to approach this. Any help greatly appreciated!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
regularngon said:

Homework Statement


Find all primes p (as a congruence) such that 11^((p-1)/2) = 1 modp

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm new to congruences and I don't really know to approach this. Any help greatly appreciated!

That looks like a candidate for Fermat's Little Theorem: ap-1 is congruent to 1 for any prime p and any a not a multple of p. For what prime p is (p-1)/2 also a prime?
 
Thanks for the reply. I did a few computations and indeed it seems to only hold for when (p-1)/2 is also a prime. I still don't see how Little Fermat implies this though...
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K