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Volume 15, Number 1 May 2010-June, 2010

Olympiad Corner Primitive Roots Modulo Primes


Below are the First Round problems
Kin Y. Li
of the 26th Iranian Math Olympiad.
Problem 1. In how many ways can
one choose n−3 diagonals of a regular The well-known Fermat’s little theorem Example 2. Prove that if p is a prime
n-gon, so that no two have an asserts that if p is a prime number and x number, then (p−1)! ≡ −1 (mod p). This
intersection strictly inside the n-gon, is an integer not divisible by p, then is Wilson’s theorem.
and no three form a triangle?
xp−1≡1(mod p). Solution. The case p = 2 is easy. For p >
Problem 2. Let ABC be a triangle. Let
2, let x be a primitive root (mod p). Then
Ia be the center of its A-excircle. For positive integer n>1 and integer x, if
Assume that the A-excircle touches AB there exists a least positive integer d (p−1)! ≡ x1x2⋯xp−1 = x(p−1)p/2 (mod p).
and AC in B’ and C’, respectively. Let such that xd ≡1 (mod n), then we say d is
IaB and IaC intersect B’C’ in P and Q, By the property of x, w=x(p−1)/2 satisfies
the order of x (mod n). We denote this w≢1(mod p) and w2 ≡1(mod p). So w ≡
respectively. Let M be the intersection by ordn(x) = d. It is natural to ask for a
of CP and BQ. Prove that the distance −1(mod p). Then
prime p, if there exists x such that
between M and the line BC is equal to ordp(x) = p−1. Such x is called a (p−1)! ≡ x(p−1)p/2 = wp = −1 (mod p).
the inradius of ∆ABC. primitive root (mod p). Indeed, we have
Problem 3. Let a, b, c and d be real the following Example 3. (1993 Chinese IMO Team
numbers, and at least one of c or d is Selection Test) For every prime number
Theorem. For every prime number p, p ≥ 3, define
not zero. Let f:ℝ→ℝ be the function
there exists a primitive root (mod p).
defined by ( p −1) / 2
(We will comment on the proof at the 1 ⎧ F ( p) ⎫
f ( x) =
ax + b
. end of the article.) F ( p) = ∑k 120
, f ( p) = −⎨
2 ⎩ p ⎭
⎬,
cx + d k =1

Assume that f(x) ≠ x for every x∊ℝ. As a consequence, if x is a primitive root where {x}=x−[x] is the fractional part of
Prove that there exists at least one p (mod p), then 1, x, x2, …, xp−2 (mod p) x. Find the value of f(p).
such that f1387(p) = p, then for every x, are distinct and they form a permutation
for which f1387(x) is defined, we have of 1, 2, …, p−1 (mod p). This is useful Solution. Let x be a primitive root (mod
f1387 (x) = x. in solving some problems in math p). If p−1∤ 120, then x120 ≢ 1(mod p)
(continued on page 4) competitions. The following are some and x120(p−1)≡1(mod p). So
examples. (Below, we will use the
common notation a∣b to denote a is a 1 p −1 120 i
Editors: 張 百 康 (CHEUNG Pak-Hong), Munsang College, HK
高 子 眉 (KO Tsz-Mei)
divisor of b.) F ( p) ≡ ∑x
2 i =1
梁 達 榮 (LEUNG Tat-Wing)
李 健 賢 (LI Kin-Yin), Dept. of Math., HKUST Example 1. (2009 Hungary-Israel Math x120 ( x120 ( p −1) − 1)
吳 鏡 波 (NG Keng-Po Roger), ITC, HKPU Competition) Let p ≥ 2 be a prime = ≡ 0(mod p).
2( x120 − 1)
Artist: 楊 秀 英 (YEUNG Sau-Ying Camille), MFA, CU number. Determine all positive integers
Acknowledgment: Thanks to Elina Chiu, Math. Dept., k such that Sk = 1k + 2k + ⋯ + (p−1)k is Then f(p) = 1/2.
HKUST for general assistance. divisible by p.
On-line: If p−1∣ 120, then p∊{3, 5, 7, 11, 13,
http://www.math.ust.hk/mathematical_excalibur/ Solution. Let x be a primitive root (mod
p). Then 31, 41, 61} and x120 ≡1(mod p). So
The editors welcome contributions from all teachers and
students. With your submission, please include your name,
Sk ≡ 1+xk+⋯+x(p−2)k (mod p). 1 p −1 120i p − 1
address, school, email, telephone and fax numbers (if
available). Electronic submissions, especially in MS Word,
F ( p) ≡ ∑ x = 2 (mod p).
2 i =1
are encouraged. The deadline for receiving material for the If p−1∣k, then Sk ≡1+⋯+1= p−1 (mod p).
next issue is July 10, 2010. If p−1∤k, then since xk ≢1 (mod p) and
For individual subscription for the next five issues for the x(p−1)k ≡ 1(mod p), we have Then
09-10 academic year, send us five stamped self-addressed 1 p −1 1
envelopes. Send all correspondence to: f ( p) = − = .
x ( p −1) k − 1 2 2p 2p
Dr. Kin-Yin LI, Math Dept., Hong Kong Univ. of Science Sk ≡ ≡ 0(mod p).
and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong
xk −1
Fax: (852) 2358 1643 Therefore, all the k’s that satisfy the Example 4. If a and b are nonnegative
Email: makyli@ust.hk
requirement are precisely those integers integers such that 2a ≡ 2b (mod 101),
© Department of Mathematics, The Hong Kong University
that are not divisible by p−1. then prove that a ≡ b (mod 100).
of Science and Technology
Mathematical Excalibur, Vol. 15, No. 1, May 10-Jun. 10 Page 2

Solution. We first check 2 is a Example 6. Find all two digit numbers n If d∣p−1, then xd−1 ≡ 0(mod p) has
primitive root of (mod 101). If d is the (i.e. n = 10a + b, where a, b ∊ {0,1,…,9} exactly d solutions (mod p). To see this,
least positive integer such that 2d ≡ 1 and a ≠ 0) such that for all integers k, we let n = (p−1)/d, then
(mod 101), then dividing 100 by d, we have n | ka − kb.
xp−1−1= (xd−1)(x(n−1)d+x(n−2)d+⋯+1).
get 100 = qd + r for some integers q, r,
where 0 ≤ r < d. By Fermat’s little Solution. Clearly, n = 11, 22, …, 99 work. Since xp−1−1≡ 0 (mod p) has p−1
theorem, Suppose n is such an integer with a ≠ b. solutions by Fermat’s little theorem, so
Let p be a prime divisor of n. Let x be a if xd−1 ≡ 0 (mod p) has less than d
1≡ 2100 =(2d)q2r ≡ 2r (mod 101),
primitive root (mod p). Then p ∣ xa − xb, solutions, then
which implies the remainder r = 0. So which implies x|a−b| ≡ 1(mod p). By the (xd−1)(x(n−1)d+x(n−2)d+⋯+1) ≡ 0 (mod p)
d∣100. comment at the end of example 4, we have
p−1 ∣ |a-b| ≤ 9. Hence, p = 2, 3, 5 or 7. would have less than d + (n−1)d = p−1
Assume d < 100. Then d∣50 or d∣20, solutions, which is a contradiction.
which implies 220 or 250≡1 (mod 101). If p = 7 ∣ n, then 6 ∣ |a-b| implies n = 28.
But 210 = 1024 ≡ 14(mod 101) implies Now k2 ≡ k8 (mod 4) and (mod 7) hold by Suppose the prime factorization of p −1
220 ≡ 142 ≡ −6 (mod 101) and 250 ≡ property of (mod 4) and Fermat’s little
is p1e1 L p kek , where pi’s are distinct
14(−6)2 ≡ −1 (mod 101). So d = 100. theorem respectively. So n = 28 works.
primes and ei ≥ 1 . For i = 1, 2, …, k, let
Similarly the p = 5 case will lead to n = 15 mi = piei . Using the observation in the
Finally, 2a ≡ 2b (mod 101) implies 2|a−b| or 40. Checking shows n = 15 works. The
≡ 1 (mod 101). Then as above, dividing last paragraph, we see there exist
p = 3 case will lead to n = 24 or 48.
|a-b| by 100, we will see the remainder Checking shows n = 48 works. The p = 2 mi−mi/pi > 1 solutions xi of equation
is 0. Therefore, a ≡ b (mod 100). case will lead to n = 16, 32 or 64, but x mi − 1 ≡ 0 (mod p), which are not
checking shows none of them works. solutions of x mi / pi − 1 ≡ 0 (mod p). It
Comments: The division argument in Therefore, the only answers are 11, 22, …, follows that the least positive integer d
the solution above shows if ordn(x) = d, 99, 28, 15, 48. such that xid − 1 ≡ 0 (mod p) is
then xk ≡1 (mod n) if and only if d ∣ k.
This is useful. mi = pi . That means xi has order
ei
Example 7. Let p be an odd prime number.
Determine all functions f : ℤ→ℤ such that mi = piei in (mod p).
Example 5. (1994 Putnam Exam) For for all m,n∊ℤ,
any integer a, set Let r be the order of xixj in (mod p). By
(i) if m ≡ n (mod p), then f(m) = f(n) and the comment at the end of example 4,
na = 101a −100×2a. (ii) f(mn) = f(m)f(n). we have r | piei p ej j . Now
Show that for 0 ≤ a,b,c,d ≤ 99, Solution. For such functions, taking m = n
na+nb ≡ nc+nd (mod 10100) = 0, we have f(0) = f(0)2, so f(0) = 0 or 1. x rdj ≡ ( xid )r x rdj = ( xi x j )rd ≡ 1(mod p),

implies {a,b}={c,d}. If f(0) = 1, then taking m = 0, we have 1 = which by the comment again, we get
f(0) = f(0) f(n) = f(n) for all n∊ℤ, which is e
p j j | rd . Since p ej and d = piei are
j

Solution. Since 100 and 101 are clearly a solution. relatively prime, we get p ej j | r.
relatively prime, na+nb ≡ nc+nd (mod If f(0) = 0, then n ≡ 0 (mod p) implies f(n) Interchanging the roles of pi and pj, we
10100) is equivalent to = 0. For n≢0 (mod p), let x be a primitive also get p ej j | r. So piei p ej j | r. Then
na+nb ≡ nc+nd (mod 100) root (mod p). Then n ≡ xk(mod p) for some r = piei p j j . So x = x1x2⋯xk will have
e

and k∊{1,2,…,p−1}. So f(n) = f(xk) = f(x)k. order p1e1 L pkek = p − 1, which implies x
By Fermat’s little theorem, xp ≡ x (mod p). is a primitive root (mod p).
na+nb ≡ nc+nd (mod 101). This implies f(x)p = f(x). So f(x) = 0, 1 or
−1. If f(x) = 0, then f(n) = 0 for all n∊ℤ. If For n > 1, Euler’s theorem asserts that
As na ≡ a (mod 100) and na ≡ 2a (mod f(x) = 1, then f(n) = 1 for all n≢0 (mod p).
101). These can be simplified to if x and n are relatively prime integers,
If f(x) = −1, then for n congruent to a then xφ(n) ≡1(mod n), where φ(n) is the
a+b ≡ c+d (mod 100) (*) nonzero square number (mod p), f(n) = 1, number of positive integers among
and otherwise f(n)= −1. 1,2,…,n that are relatively prime to n.
2a+2b ≡2c+2d (mod 101). Similarly, we can define x to be a
After seeing how primitive roots can solve
Using 2100≡ 1(mod 101) and (*), we get primitive root (mod n) if and only if the
problem, it is time to examine the proof of least positive integer d satisfying xd ≡
2a2b = 2a+b ≡ 2c+d = 2c2d (mod 101). the theorem more closely. We will divide 1(mod n) is φ(n). For the inquisitive
Since 2b ≡ 2c+2d −2a (mod 101), we get the proofs into a few observations. mind who wants to know for which n,
2a(2c+2d −2a) ≡ 2c2d (mod 101). This For a polynomial f(x) of degree n with there exists primitive roots (mod n), the
can be rearranged as coefficients in (mod p), the congruence answers are n = 2, 4, pk and 2pk, where
p is an odd prime. This is much harder
(2a−2c)(2a−2d) ≡ 0 (mod 101). f(x) ≡ 0 (mod p) to prove. The important thing is for
Then 2a ≡ 2c (mod 101) or 2a ≡ 2d (mod has at most n solutions (mod p). This can such a primitive root x (mod n), the
101). By the last example, we get a ≡ c be proved by doing induction on n and numbers xi (mod n) for i = 1 to φ(n) is a
or d (mod 100). Finally, using a+b ≡ imitating the proof for real coefficient permutation of the φ(n) numbers
c+d (mod 100), we get {a,b}={c,d}. polynomials having at most n roots. among 1,2,…,n that are relatively
prime to n.
Mathematical Excalibur, Vol. 15, No. 1, May 10-Jun. 10 Page 3

Problem Corner positive constant c such that for all n n n


positive integer n and all real numbers a1, p= ∑ a w ≤ ∑ | a || w | ≤ ∑ | a |,
i =1
i
i

i =1
i
i

i =1
i
a2, …, an, if
We welcome readers to submit their
which contradicts the given inequality.
solutions to the problems posed below P(x) = (x − a1)(x − a2) ⋯ (x − an), So all roots of f(x) have absolute values
for publication consideration. The
then greater than 1.
solutions should be preceded by the
solver’s name, home (or email) address max P ( x) ≤ c n max P ( x) . Assume f(x) is the product of two
and school affiliation. Please send x∈[ 0 , 2 ] x∈[ 0 ,1] integral coefficient polynomials g(x)
submissions to Dr. Kin Y. Li, and h(x) with degrees less than n. Let b
Department of Mathematics, The Hong ***************** and c be the nonzero coefficients of the
Kong University of Science & Solutions highest degree terms of g(x) and h(x)
Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, respectively. Then |b| and |c| ≥ 1. By
****************
Hong Kong. The deadline for sending Vieta’s theorem, |g(0)/b| and |h(0)/c| are
solutions is July 10, 2010. Problem 341. Show that there exists an the products of the absolute values of
infinite set S of points in the their roots respectively. Since their
Problem 346. Let k be a positive roots are also roots of f(x), we have
3-dimensional space such that every plane
integer. Divide 3k pebbles into five |g(0)/b| > 1 and |h(0)/c| > 1. Now p =
contains at least one, but not infinitely
piles (with possibly unequal number of |f(0)| = |g(0)h(0)|, but g(0), h(0) are
many points of S.
pebbles). Operate on the five piles by integers and |g(0)| > |b| ≥ 1 and |h(0)| >
selecting three of them and removing Solution. Emanuele NATALE and |c| ≥ 1, which contradicts p is prime.
one pebble from each of the three piles. Carlo PAGANO (Università di Roma
If it is possible to remove all pebbles “Tor Vergata”, Roma, Italy).
Problem 343. Determine all ordered
after k operations, then we say it is a Consider the curve σ : ℝ→ℝ3 defined by pairs (a,b) of positive integers such that
harmonious ending. σ(x) = (x, x3, x5). Let S be the graph of σ. If a≠b, b2+a=pm (where p is a prime
ax+by+cz=d is the equation of a plane in number, m is a positive integer) and
Determine a necessary and sufficient ℝ3, then the intersection of the plane and
condition for a harmonious ending to a2+b is divisible by b2+a.
the curve is determined by the equation
exist in terms of the number k and the
ax + bx3+ cx5 = d, Solution. CHUNG Ping Ngai (La
distribution of pebbles in the five piles.
Salle College, Form 6), HUNG Ka
(Source: 2008 Zhejiang Province High which has at least one and at most five Kin Kenneth (Diocesan Boys’ School)
School Math Competition) solutions. and LI Pak Hin (PLK Vicwood K. T.
Chong Sixth Form College).
Problem 347. P(x) is a polynomial of Other commended solvers: HUNG Ka
For such (a,b),
degree n such that for all w∊{1, 2, Kin Kenneth (Diocesan Boys’ School), D.
22, …, 2n}, we have P(w) = 1/w. Kipp JOHNSON (Valley Catholic a2 + b b4 + b
= a − b 2
+
School, Beaverton, Oregon, USA) and LI a + b2 a + b2
Determine P(0) with proof. Pak Hin (PLK Vicwood K. T. Chong
implies pm = a + b2 | b4 + b = b(b3+1).
Sixth Form College).
Problem 348. In ∆ABC, we have From a ≠ b, we get b < 1+b < a+b2. As
∠BAC = 90° and AB < AC. Let D be Problem 342. Let f(x)=anxn+⋯+a1x+p be gcd(b, b3+1) = 1, so pm divides b3+1 =
the foot of the perpendicular from A to a polynomial with coefficients in the (b+1)(b2−b+1).
side BC. Let I1 and I2 be the incenters integers and degree n>1, where p is a
Next, by the Euclidean algorithm, we
of ∆ABD and ∆ACD respectively. prime number and
have gcd(b+1,b2−b+1) = gcd(b+1,3) | 3.
The circumcircle of ∆AI1I2 (with
|an|+|an−1|+⋯+|a1| < p.
center O) intersects sides AB and AC at Assume we have gcd(b+1,b2−b+1)=1.
E and F respectively. Let M be the Then prove that f(x) is not the product of Then b2+a=pm divides only one of b+1
intersection of lines EF and BC. two polynomials with coefficients in the or b2−b+1. However, both b+1, b2−b+1<
integers and degrees less than n. b2+a=pm. Hence, b+1 and b2−b+1 must
Prove that I1 or I2 is the incenter of the be divisible by p. Then the assumption is
∆ODM, while the other one is an Solution. The 6B Mathematics Group false and
excenter of ∆ODM. (Carmel Alison Lam Foundation Secondary
School), CHUNG Ping Ngai (La Salle p = gcd(b+1,b2−b+1) = 3. (*)
(Source: 2008 Jiangxi Province Math College, Form 6), LEE Kai Seng If m = 1, then b2+a = 3 has no solution. If
Competition) (HKUST), LI Pak Hin (PLK Vicwood K. m = 2, then b2+a = 9 yields (a,b) = (5,2).
T. Chong Sixth Form College), Emanuele
Problem 349. Let a1, a2, …, an be NATALE (Università di Roma “Tor For m ≥ 3, by (*), one of b+1 or b2−b+1
rational numbers such that for every Vergata”, Roma, Italy), Pedro Henrique is divisible by 3, while the other one is
positive integer m, O. PANTOJA (University of Lisbon, divisible by 3m−1. Since
Portugal).
a1m + a2m + L + anm b + 1 < b 2 + a + 1 = 3m / 2 + 1 < 3m −1 ,
Let w be a root of f(x) in ℂ. Assume |w|≤1.
is an integer. Prove that a1, a2, …, an Using anwn+⋯+a1w+p=0 and the triangle so 3m−1 | b2−b+1. Since m ≥ 3, we have
are integers. inequality, we have b2 − b + 1 ≡ 0 (mod 9). Checking b ≡
−4, −3, −2, −1, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 (mod 9)
Problem 350. Prove that there exists a shows there cannot be any solution.
Mathematical Excalibur, Vol. 15, No. 1, May 10-Jun. 10 Page 4

Problem 344. ABCD is a cyclic Comments: For complex method of (Università di Roma “Tor Vergata”,
quadrilateral. Let M, N be midpoints of solving geometry problems, please see Roma, Italy).
diagonals AC, BD respectively. Lines Math Excalibur, vol. 9, no. 1.
BA, CD intersect at E and lines AD, BC Assume there are i > j such that ai = aj.
intersect at F. Prove that Solution 2. CHUNG Ping Ngai (La Salle Then for n > i, ai ≡ aj (mod n), which is
College, Form 6). a contradiction. So any number
BD AC 2MN
− = . Without loss of generality, let AC > BD. appears at most once.
AC BD EF
Since ∠EAC =∠EDB and ∠AEC =∠DEB,
we get ∆AEC~∆DEB. Then Next, for every positive integer n, let
Solution 1. LEE Kai Seng (HKUST). Sn={a1, a2, …, an}, max Sn = av and min
Without loss of generality, let the AE AC AM MC Sn = aw. If k = av− aw ≥ n, then k ≥ n ≥
= = =
circumcircle of ABCD be the unit circle DE DB DN DB v, w and av ≡ aw (mod k), contradicting
in the complex plane. We have and ∠ECA =∠EBD. So ∆AEM ~∆DEN the given fact. So
M = (A+C)/2 and N = (B+D)/2. and ∆CEM ~∆BEN. Similarly, we have max Sn −min Sn = av− aw ≤ n − 1.
∆AFC ~ ∆BFD, ∆AFM ~ ∆BFN and
The equations of lines AB and CD are ∆CFM ~ ∆DFN. Then Now Sn ⊆[min Sn , max Sn] and both
contain n integers. So the n numbers in
Z + AB Z = A + B EN DE BD FB FN (*) Sn are the n consecutive integers from
= = = = .
and EM AE AC FA FM min Sn to max Sn.
Z + CD Z = C + D Define Q so that QENF is a parallelogram. Now for every integer m, since there
Let P = MQ∩EF. Then are infinitely many positive terms and
respectively. Solving for Z, we get
∠EQF =∠FNE=180°−∠ENB−∠FND also infinitely many negative terms,
A+ B −C − D =180°−∠EMC−∠FMC=180°−∠EMF. there exists ap and aq such that ap < m <
E=Z = . aq. Let r > max{p,q}, then m is in Sr.
AB − CD Hence, M, E, Q, F are concyclic. Then Therefore, every integer appears
Similarly, ∠MEQ=180°−∠MFQ. exactly one time in the sequence.

A− B−C + D By (1), EN×FM = EM×FN. Then Comment: An example of such a


F= . sequence is 0, 1, −1, 2, −2, 3, −3, ….
AD − BC [EMQ] = ½ EM×FN sin ∠MEQ
= ½ EN×FM sin ∠MFQ =[FMQ],
In terms of A, B, C, D, we have
2MN = |A+C−B−D|, where [XYZ] denotes the area of ∆XYZ.
Then EP=FP, which implies M, N, P, Q Olympiad Corner
EF = E − F are collinear. Due to M, E, Q, F concyclic,
(continued from page 1)
so ∆PEM ~∆PQF and ∆PEQ ~∆PMF.
A+ B −C − D A− B −C + D Then
= − Problem 4. Let a∊ℕ be such that for
AB − CD AD − BC
EM EM PM FN QE QP NP every n∊ℕ, 4(an+1) is a perfect cube.
( B − D)(C − A)( A + C − B − D) = = , = = = .
= . EN QF PF FM FM PF PF Show that a = 1.
( AB − CD)( AD − BC)
Using these relations, we have Problem 5. We want to choose some
The left and right hand sides of the phone numbers for a new city. The
AC BD EM FN
equation become − = − phone numbers should consist of
BD AC EN FM
BD AC | B − D |2 − | A − C |2 exactly ten digits, and 0 is not allowed
− = , as a digit in them. To make sure that
AC BD ( A − C )( B − D ) MP NP MN
= − = , different phone numbers are not
PF PF EF / 2
2 MN ( AB − CD )( AD − BC ) confused with each other, we want
= . which is the desired equation. every two phone numbers to either be
EF ( B − D )(C − A)
different in at least two places or have
It suffices to show the numerators of Problem 345. Let a1, a2, a3, ⋯ be a digits separated by at least 2 units, in at
the right sides are equal. We have sequence of integers such that there are least one of the ten places.
infinitely many positive terms and also
| B − D |2 − | A − C |2 What is the maximum number of
infinitely many negative terms. For every
phone numbers that can be chosen,
= ( B − D )( B − D ) − ( A − C )( A − C ) positive integer n, the remainders of a1, a2,
satisfying the constraints? In how
⋯, an upon divisions by n are all distinct.
many ways can one choose this amount
= AC + C A − B D − D B Prove that every integer appears exactly
of phone numbers?
one time in the sequence.
and Problem 6. Let ABC be a triangle and
Solution. CHUNG Ping Ngai (La Salle H be the foot of the altitude drawn from
( AB − CD )( AD − BC ) College, Form 6), HUNG Ka Kin
A. Let T, T’ be the feet of the
Kenneth (Diocesan Boys’ School), LI
Pak Hin (PLK Vicwood K. T. Chong perpendicular lines drawn from H onto
= ( AB − CD )( AD − BC )
Sixth Form College), Emanuele AB, AC, respectively. Let O be the
= B D − C A − AC + D B . NATALE and Carlo PAGANO circumcenter of ∆ABC, and assume
that AC = 2OT. Prove that AB = 2OT’.

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