Prove or disprove: If a = b(mod n²) then a = b(mod n)
Advanced Engineering Mathematics
10th Edition
ISBN:9780470458365
Author:Erwin Kreyszig
Publisher:Erwin Kreyszig
Chapter2: Second-order Linear Odes
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ
Related questions
Question

Transcribed Image Text:**Problem Statement**: Prove or disprove the following statement: If \( a \equiv b \pmod{n^2} \) then \( a \equiv b \pmod{n} \).
**Explanation**: This problem involves modular arithmetic. Here, we're asked to assess whether the congruence \( a \equiv b \pmod{n^2} \) implies \( a \equiv b \pmod{n} \).
**Key Points**:
- **Congruence Modulo \( n^2 \)**: When numbers \( a \) and \( b \) are congruent modulo \( n^2 \), it means that the difference \( a - b \) is divisible by \( n^2 \).
- **Congruence Modulo \( n \)**: When numbers \( a \) and \( b \) are congruent modulo \( n \), it means that the difference \( a - b \) is divisible by \( n \).
**Potential Steps**:
1. **Start with the given congruence**:
- \( a \equiv b \pmod{n^2} \): This implies \( a - b = k \cdot n^2 \) for some integer \( k \).
2. **Examine the implication**:
- Analyze whether dividing this relationship by \( n \) still retains integer divisibility.
- Since \( k \cdot n^2 = (k \cdot n) \cdot n \), it's evident that \( a - b = m \cdot n \) where \( m = k \cdot n \).
3. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, \( a \equiv b \pmod{n} \).
This statement is true and can be proven since if the difference of two numbers is divisible by a larger modulus \( n^2 \), it must also be divisible by the smaller modulus \( n \).
Expert Solution

This question has been solved!
Explore an expertly crafted, step-by-step solution for a thorough understanding of key concepts.
Step by step
Solved in 3 steps with 2 images

Recommended textbooks for you

Advanced Engineering Mathematics
Advanced Math
ISBN:
9780470458365
Author:
Erwin Kreyszig
Publisher:
Wiley, John & Sons, Incorporated

Numerical Methods for Engineers
Advanced Math
ISBN:
9780073397924
Author:
Steven C. Chapra Dr., Raymond P. Canale
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education

Introductory Mathematics for Engineering Applicat…
Advanced Math
ISBN:
9781118141809
Author:
Nathan Klingbeil
Publisher:
WILEY

Advanced Engineering Mathematics
Advanced Math
ISBN:
9780470458365
Author:
Erwin Kreyszig
Publisher:
Wiley, John & Sons, Incorporated

Numerical Methods for Engineers
Advanced Math
ISBN:
9780073397924
Author:
Steven C. Chapra Dr., Raymond P. Canale
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education

Introductory Mathematics for Engineering Applicat…
Advanced Math
ISBN:
9781118141809
Author:
Nathan Klingbeil
Publisher:
WILEY

Mathematics For Machine Technology
Advanced Math
ISBN:
9781337798310
Author:
Peterson, John.
Publisher:
Cengage Learning,

