Exercise · ZW-LAW-OF-QUADRATIC-RECIPROCITY-001 · ★☆☆ Basic

State the law of quadratic reciprocity for distinct odd primes \(p\) and \(q\).

Choose one option.

Show answer
  • C. \(\left(\frac{p}{q}\right)\left(\frac{q}{p}\right)=(-1)^{\frac{p-1}{2}\cdot\frac{q-1}{2}}\)

Explanation

The law uses the product of the two symbols and the exponent \(\frac{p-1}{2}\cdot\frac{q-1}{2}\). The other choices confuse the law with an equality or with a simple parity formula.

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Review the concept: Law of quadratic reciprocity

The law of quadratic reciprocity relates the Legendre symbols \(\left(\frac{p}{q}\right)\) and \(\left(\frac{q}{p}\right)\) for distinct odd primes \(p\) and \(q\).

\[\left(\frac{p}{q}\right)\left(\frac{q}{p}\right)=(-1)^{\frac{(p-1)(q-1)}{4}}\]

More practice problems: law of quadratic reciprocity

ZW-LAW-OF-QUADRATIC-RECIPROCITY-002 →