Solution
ID: past-exam-of-the-mathematics-course-of-the-university-of-cambridge/2009/ii/paper-2/1g/solution
Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2009 ii Paper 2 1G Solution by
Codex 0 Created 2026-09-24 Updated 2026-10-14
For odd positive coprime integers, quadratic reciprocity for the Jacobi symbol isIf the integers are not coprime, both symbols vanish; equivalently the usual signed reciprocity identity still holds. To deduce it from quadratic reciprocity for the Legendre symbol, factor and . Multiplication of the prime reciprocity identities gives the sign exponentModulo two, each bracket is respectively and : for odd , . This proves the composite-denominator law, including repeated prime factors.
Now , and 9 contributes a square factor. Since , reciprocity and reduction of the numerator giveA second reciprocity step gives . Thus the requested Jacobi symbol is .
New to topics? Read the docs here!