Understanding Number Theory Proofs: Order of Elements in Finite Groups

In summary, the conversation discusses number theory proofs relating to b^{\phi (n)}=1mod(n) and b^p=bmod(p). It is mentioned that b is an arbitrary element of the multiplicative group mod n, and the order of b is shown to be contained in the order of the group. The conversation also touches on proving the existence of the order of an element in a finite group.
  • #1
cragar
2,552
3
I just want to make sure I understand these number theory proofs.
[itex] b^{\phi (n)}=1mod(n) [/itex]
[itex] \phi (n) [/itex] is the order of the group, so b to some power will equal the identity. so that's why it is equal to one. [itex] b^p=bmod(p) [/itex]
[itex] b^p=b^{p-1}b [/itex]
[itex] b^{p-1} [/itex] produces the identity since p-1 is the order of the group. so that's why it equals b.
 
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  • #2
Can you clarify what statement you are trying to prove and which statements are the proof? Is b any arbitrary element of the group? Are you trying to show that p = Φ(n)? What is n?
 
  • #3
And what group are you talking about?

I think you're trying to prove Euler and Fermat's little theorem somehow, but then you'll need to put in some more details...
 
  • #4
Its the multiplicative group mod n , n is a natural number. now b is an element of the group. so b to power of the order of the group will contain the order of b.
that is [itex] b^m=e [/itex] since m is contained in the order of the group,we get the identity. This proves [itex] b^{\phi (n)}=1mod (n) [/itex].
the second one [itex] b^p=b mod (p) = b^{p-1}b=b^{\phi (p)}b= b mod (p) [/itex]
I will prove that the order of an element exists. sine b is an element of the group then we can take powers of b like [itex] b^2 , b^3, ... b^n ... [/itex] now for some m and n and m not equal to n,since our group is finite.
we get [itex] b^m=b^n [/itex] now we multiply both sides by [itex] b^{-n} [/itex]
so now [itex] b^{m-n}=e [/itex].
m-n is the order of b.
 
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What is number theory?

Number theory is a branch of mathematics that deals with the properties and relationships of integers.

What are some examples of number theory proofs?

Some examples of number theory proofs include Euclid's proof of the infinitude of prime numbers, Fermat's Last Theorem, and the proof of the irrationality of the square root of 2.

What is the importance of number theory?

Number theory has many practical applications in fields such as cryptography, computer science, and physics. It also helps us understand the fundamental properties of numbers and their relationships.

What are some common techniques used in number theory proofs?

Some common techniques used in number theory proofs include induction, contradiction, and modular arithmetic.

What is the difference between prime and composite numbers?

Prime numbers are positive integers that have exactly two divisors, 1 and itself. Composite numbers, on the other hand, have more than two divisors.

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