Exercise · ZW-MULTIPLICATIVE-ARITHMETIC-FUNCTION-002 · ★☆☆ Basic

If \(f\) is multiplicative and \(\gcd(m,n)=1\), which expression equals \(f(mn)\)?

Choose one option.

Show answer
  • A. \(f(m)f(n)\)

Explanation

The definition of a multiplicative function requires the value at a coprime product to be the product of the values. The option with a sum confuses this rule with that of additive functions.

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Review the concept: Multiplicative arithmetic function

An arithmetic function \(f\) is multiplicative if \(f(1)=1\) and \(f(mn)=f(m)f(n)\) whenever \(\gcd(m,n)=1\). Its behavior is determined by its values on prime powers.

\[f(mn)=f(m)f(n)\text{ if }\gcd(m,n)=1\]

More practice problems: multiplicative arithmetic function

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