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number theory intermediate
Problem
Suppose we have four integers, no two of which are congruent . Let be the product of the four integers.
If is not a multiple of , then what is the remainder of when is divided by ?
If is not a multiple of , then what is the remainder of when is divided by ?
Solution
Since no two of the four integers are congruent modulo 6, they must represent four of the possible residues .
None of the integers can be , since this would make their product a multiple of 6.
The remaining possible residues are . Our integers must cover all but one of these, so either 2 or 4 must be among the residues of our four integers. Therefore, at least one of the integers is even, which rules out also having a multiple of 3 (since this would again make a multiple of 6). Any integer that leaves a remainder of 3 (mod 6) is a multiple of 3, so such integers are not allowed.
Therefore, the four integers must be congruent to and . Their product is congruent modulo 6 to , which leaves a remainder of .
None of the integers can be , since this would make their product a multiple of 6.
The remaining possible residues are . Our integers must cover all but one of these, so either 2 or 4 must be among the residues of our four integers. Therefore, at least one of the integers is even, which rules out also having a multiple of 3 (since this would again make a multiple of 6). Any integer that leaves a remainder of 3 (mod 6) is a multiple of 3, so such integers are not allowed.
Therefore, the four integers must be congruent to and . Their product is congruent modulo 6 to , which leaves a remainder of .
Final answer
4