Sums of Legendre Symbols Question

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    Legendre Sums Symbols
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the proposition concerning the sum of Legendre symbols, specifically the expression \(\sum_{i=0}^{p-1} \left(\frac{i^2+a}{p}\right)=-1\) for any odd prime \(p\) and any integer \(a\). The scope includes theoretical aspects of number theory and properties of Legendre symbols.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes that the sum of Legendre symbols equals -1 for any odd prime \(p\) and integer \(a\), referencing examples that support this claim.
  • Another participant later finds a reference in the exercises of Ireland and Rosen that discusses the proposition for the case when \(a=1\).
  • One participant asserts that the integer \(a\) should not be zero, providing a counterexample where \(\sum_{i=0}^{p-1} \left(\frac{i^2}{p}\right)=p-1\) and noting specific properties of Legendre symbols for \(i=0\) and \(gcd(i,p)=1\).
  • A subsequent reply reiterates the point about \(a\) being zero and suggests that even if \(a\) is zero modulo \(p\), the formula still holds under certain conditions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the validity of the proposition when \(a=0\), with some supporting the original claim and others challenging it based on specific cases and properties of Legendre symbols. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the generality of the proposition.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made about the integer \(a\) and the conditions under which the proposition holds, particularly when \(a=0\). The discussion also highlights the dependence on specific properties of Legendre symbols and their behavior under different conditions.

doubleaxel195
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Proposition:

\sum_{i=0}^{p-1} (\frac{i^2+a}{p})=-1 for any odd prime p and any integer a. (I am referring to the Legendre Symbol).

I was reading a paper where they claimed it was true for the a=1 case and referred to a source that I don't have immediate access to. So I was wondering if anyone knows if this is true or a source that talks about this? I know it doesn't mean it's necessarily true, but this proposition has been true with all the examples I've looked at with Mathematica. Thanks!
 
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Nevermind, I found this in the exercises of Ireland and Rosen on page 63. Just thought I would post where I found it in case anyone else needs to know.
 
In your formula, the integer a should not be zero, because

\sum_{i=0}^{p-1} (\frac{i^2}{p})=p-1

(Note: (\frac{0}{p}) = 0 for p > 2 and
(\frac{x^2}{p})= 1 for gcd(x,p)=1)
 
Last edited:
RamaWolf said:
In your formula, the integer a should not be zero, because

\sum_{i=0}^{p-1} (\frac{i^2}{p})=p-1

(Note: (\frac{0}{p}) = 0 for p > 2 and
(\frac{x^2}{p})= 1 for gcd(x,p)=1)



Even if the integer is zero modulo p the formula works, since \,p-1=-1\pmod p

DonAntonio
 

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