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 pp for which there is no integer solution to the congruence:

3(6x+1)4(modp).3(6x+1) \equiv 4 \pmod{p}.

Step 1: Simplify the congruence

First, expand the expression on the left-hand side:

3(6x+1)=18x+3.3(6x + 1) = 18x + 3.

Thus, the congruence becomes:

18x+34(modp).18x + 3 \equiv 4 \pmod{p}.

Subtract 3 from both sides:

18x1(modp).18x \equiv 1 \pmod{p}.

Step 2: Solve for xx

We need to determine whether there exists an integer solution to the congruence:

18x1(modp).18x \equiv 1 \pmod{p}.

This is equivalent to finding whether 18 has a multiplicative inverse modulo pp, which occurs if and only if 1818 and pp are coprime, i.e., gcd(18,p)=1\gcd(18, p) = 1.

Step 3: Condition for no solution

If gcd(18,p)>1\gcd(18, p) > 1, then 1818 does not have an inverse modulo pp, and hence there is no solution to the congruence 18x1(modp)18x \equiv 1 \pmod{p}. Therefore, we need to find primes pp for which gcd(18,p)>1\gcd(18, p) > 1.

Step 4: Analyze the prime factors of 18

The prime factorization of 18 is:

18=2×32.18 = 2 \times 3^2.

Thus, gcd(18,p)>1\gcd(18, p) > 1 if pp is either 2 or 3.

Step 5: Sum the relevant primes

The primes for which gcd(18,p)>1\gcd(18, p) > 1 are p=2p = 2 and p=3p = 3.

The sum of these primes is:

2+3=5.2 + 3 = 5.

Final Answer:

The sum of all prime numbers pp for which there is no integer solution to the congruence is 5\boxed{5}.


Would you like more details on any of the steps, or do you have additional questions?

Related questions:

  1. How do you find the multiplicative inverse of a number modulo pp?
  2. What does it mean for two numbers to be coprime?
  3. How do you solve a linear congruence modulo pp?
  4. Why does gcd(18,p)=1\gcd(18, p) = 1 guarantee an inverse exists?
  5. 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