Exercise 1585Number theory › CongruencesOlympiadAdded 3 Nov 2026
Legendre symbol and Euler's criterion
#Legendre symbol#Euler criterion#quadratic reciprocity
Statement
Define the Legendre symbol and state Euler's criterion.
Hint
if is a nonzero quadratic residue mod , if a non-residue, if .
Show solutionHide solution
Solution
Definition. For odd prime and :
Euler's criterion. .
Multiplicativity. .
Conclusion. The Legendre symbol is a multiplicative homomorphism from to .