Math Problem Statement
What is the sum of all prime numbers p for which there is no integer solution for x in the congruence $3(6x+1) \equiv 4 \pmod p$?
Solution
We are tasked with finding the sum of all prime numbers for which there is no integer solution to the congruence:
Step 1: Simplify the congruence
First, expand the expression on the left-hand side:
Thus, the congruence becomes:
Subtract 3 from both sides:
Step 2: Solve for
We need to determine whether there exists an integer solution to the congruence:
This is equivalent to finding whether 18 has a multiplicative inverse modulo , which occurs if and only if and are coprime, i.e., .
Step 3: Condition for no solution
If , then does not have an inverse modulo , and hence there is no solution to the congruence . Therefore, we need to find primes for which .
Step 4: Analyze the prime factors of 18
The prime factorization of 18 is:
Thus, if is either 2 or 3.
Step 5: Sum the relevant primes
The primes for which are and .
The sum of these primes is:
Final Answer:
The sum of all prime numbers for which there is no integer solution to the congruence is .
Would you like more details on any of the steps, or do you have additional questions?
Related questions:
- How do you find the multiplicative inverse of a number modulo ?
- What does it mean for two numbers to be coprime?
- How do you solve a linear congruence modulo ?
- Why does guarantee an inverse exists?
- How does the prime factorization of a number affect its congruences?
Tip:
When solving congruences, always check if the coefficient and the modulus are coprime—this determines whether an inverse exists.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Congruences
Number Theory
Modular Arithmetic
Greatest Common Divisor (gcd)
Formulas
18x \equiv 1 \pmod{p}
gcd(a, b) = 1
Theorems
Multiplicative Inverse Theorem
Coprime Theorem
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 10-12