A3.9

Number Theory | Part II, 2001

(i) State the law of quadratic reciprocity.

Prove that 5 is a quadratic residue modulo primes p±1(mod10)p \equiv \pm 1 \quad(\bmod 10) and a quadratic non-residue modulo primes p±3(mod10)p \equiv \pm 3 \quad(\bmod 10).

Determine whether 5 is a quadratic residue or non-residue modulo 119 and modulo 539.539 .

(ii) Explain what is meant by the continued fraction of a real number θ\theta. Define the convergents to θ\theta and write down the recurrence relations satisfied by their numerators and denominators.

Use the continued fraction method to find two solutions in positive integers x,yx, y of the equation x215y2=1x^{2}-15 y^{2}=1.

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