Suppose that 2^n − 1 is prime. Show that n must also be prime. (Hint: try to find a convenient factorization of the polynomial x^n − 1 if n is composite).

Algebra: Structure And Method, Book 1
(REV)00th Edition
ISBN:9780395977224
Author:Richard G. Brown, Mary P. Dolciani, Robert H. Sorgenfrey, William L. Cole
Publisher:Richard G. Brown, Mary P. Dolciani, Robert H. Sorgenfrey, William L. Cole
Chapter5: Factoring Polynomials
Section5.9: Factoring Pattern For Ax2+bx+c
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Suppose that 2^n − 1 is prime. Show that n must also be prime.

(Hint: try to find a convenient factorization of the polynomial x^n − 1 if n is composite).

Expert Solution
Step 1

Given that 2n-1 is prime.

To prove that n must also be prime.

On the contrary let us assume that n is not prime.

Since n is not prime then n must be composite number.

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