Solution

ID: past-exam-of-the-mathematics-course-of-the-university-of-cambridge/2009/ii/paper-2/1g/solution

For odd positive coprime integers, quadratic reciprocity for the Jacobi symbol is
If 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 exponent
Modulo 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 give
A second reciprocity step gives . Thus the requested Jacobi symbol is .

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