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Printjmc
number theory senior
Problem
Let be a subset of such that no pair of distinct elements in has a sum divisible by . What is the maximum number of elements in ?
Solution
The fact that is assumed as common knowledge in this answer. First, note that there are possible numbers that are equivalent to , and there are possible numbers equivalent to each of -. Second, note that there can be no pairs of numbers and such that mod , because then . These pairs are , , , and . Because is a pair, there can always be number equivalent to , and no more. To maximize the amount of numbers in S, we will use number equivalent to , numbers equivalent to , and numbers equivalent to -. This is obvious if you think for a moment. Therefore the answer is numbers.
Final answer
23