On the forms of n for which \(\phi\) (n) \(| \,n-1\) (Q1824645)

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scientific article; zbMATH DE number 4118427
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On the forms of n for which \(\phi\) (n) \(| \,n-1\)
scientific article; zbMATH DE number 4118427

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    On the forms of n for which \(\phi\) (n) \(| \,n-1\) (English)
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    1989
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    \textit{D. H. Lehmer} [Bull. Am. Math. Soc. 38, 745-751 (1932; Zbl 0005.34302)] asked whether there is any composite number n for which \(\phi (n) | (n-1).\) This is yet an unsolved problem but several partial solutions have been given, see \textit{P. Hagis} [Nieuw Arch. Wiskd., IV. Ser. 6, No. 3, 255-261 (1988; Zbl 0668.10006)]. In the present paper the authors find several forms in which the composite n satisfying \(\phi (n) | (n-1)\) should be if it exists. For example, they prove that if \(3| n\), then n is of the form \(2^{14}3^ 2m+81921\) or \(2^{14}3^ 2m+131073\) according as the number of prime factors of n is odd or even. This result can be further improved using the results of a recent paper by Hagis.
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    Euler's totient function
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    Lehmer's equation
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    Euler phi-function
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