Exercise · ZW-EULER-S-CRITERION-005 · ★☆☆ Basic
If \(a^{(p-1)/2}\equiv -1\pmod p\), what can you conclude about \(a\)?
Choose one option.
Show answer
- C. That \(a\) is not a quadratic residue modulo \(p\)
Explanation
By the criterion, the Legendre symbol equals -1, which means \(a\) is not a residue.
Review the concept: Euler's criterion
Criterion that decides whether an integer \(a\) is a quadratic residue modulo an odd prime \(p\) by means of a modular power.
\[\left(\frac{a}{p}\right) \equiv a^{\frac{p-1}{2}} \pmod{p}\]
More practice problems: euler's criterion
- ZW-EULER-S-CRITERION-001 According to Euler's criterion, what is ((a)/(p)) congruent to modulo p?
- ZW-EULER-S-CRITERION-002 For p=11, which exponent (p-1)/2 does the criterion use?
- ZW-EULER-S-CRITERION-003 For which primes p does Euler's criterion hold as stated in this sheet?
- ZW-EULER-S-CRITERION-004 If a is a quadratic residue modulo p, what is the value of a^(p-1)/2bmod p?
- ZW-EULER-S-CRITERION-006 Use the criterion to decide whether 3 is a quadratic residue modulo 7. What is the correct conclusi…
- ZW-EULER-S-CRITERION-007 For p=13 and a=5, what is 5^6bmod 13, and what does it mean?
- ZW-EULER-S-CRITERION-008 What is 2^(5-1)/2bmod 5, and what does it indicate about 2?
- ZW-EULER-S-CRITERION-009 If a^(p-1)/2≡ 1pmod p and b^(p-1)/2≡ 1pmod p, what is (ab)^(p-1)/2 congruent to modulo p?