M BUZZ CRAZE NEWS
// general

Converse of Fermat's Little Theorem.

By Jessica Wood
$\begingroup$

If $a^n\equiv a \pmod n$ for all integers $a$, does this imply that $n$ is prime?

I believe this is the converse of Fermat's little theorem.

$\endgroup$ 4

2 Answers

$\begingroup$

No, the converse of Fermat's Little Theorem is not true. For a particular example, $561 = 3 \cdot 11 \cdot 17$ is clearly composite, but $$ a^{561} \equiv a \pmod{561}$$ for all integers $a$. This is known as a Carmichael Number, and there are infinitely many Carmichael Numbers.

$\endgroup$ $\begingroup$

Here is one more example:
We see that $341 = 11 \cdot31$ and $2^{340} = 1\mod341$
To show this we see that by routine calcultions the following relations hold $$2^{11} = 2\mod31 $$$$ 2^{31} = 2 \mod 11$$

Now by using Fermat's little theorem $$ ({2^{11}})^{31} = 2^{11} \mod 31 $$ but $2^{11} = 2 \mod 31$ so I leave you to fill the details of showing $2^{341} = 2 \mod 341$.

$\endgroup$

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Sign up using Google Sign up using Facebook Sign up using Email and Password

Post as a guest

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy