Let a, m, and n be positive integers with a>1. Prove that am – 1 | an – 1 if and only if m | n. For the "if" direction, write n = md with a positive integer and use the factorization amd – 1 = (am – 1) x (am(d-1) + am(d-2) + … + am + 1).

Elements Of Modern Algebra
8th Edition
ISBN:9781285463230
Author:Gilbert, Linda, Jimmie
Publisher:Gilbert, Linda, Jimmie
Chapter2: The Integers
Section2.4: Prime Factors And Greatest Common Divisor
Problem 29E
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Let a, m, and n be positive integers with a>1. Prove that am – 1 | an – 1 if and only if m | n.

For the "if" direction, write n = md with a positive integer and use the factorization amd – 1 = (am – 1) x (am(d-1) + am(d-2) + … + am + 1).

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