Maths WorkshopMaths problems with full solutions
Exercise 995Combinatorics › Inclusion-exclusionL1Added 3 Nov 2026

Euler's totient via inclusion-exclusion

#Euler totient#IE#coprime

Statement

Show that φ(n)=n∏p∣n(1−1/p)\varphi(n)=n\prod_{p\mid n}(1-1/p) using inclusion-exclusion.

Hint

Count integers ≤n\le n divisible by at least one prime divisor p∣np\mid n.

Show solutionHide solution

Solution

Sets. For each prime p∣np\mid n, Ap={A_p=\{multiples of pp in {1,…,n}}\{1,\ldots,n\}\}; ∣Ap∣=n/p|A_p|=n/p.

IE. Number coprime to nn = nn minus those in the union:
φ(n)=n−∑pnp+∑p<qnpq−⋯=n∏p∣n(1−1p).\varphi(n)=n-\sum_p\frac np+\sum_{p<q}\frac{n}{pq}-\cdots=n\prod_{p\mid n}\left(1-\frac1p\right).

Conclusion. φ(n)=n∏p∣n(1−1/p)\varphi(n)=n\prod_{p\mid n}(1-1/p).