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Printjmc
number theory senior
Problem
"Modulo graph paper" consists of a grid of points, representing all pairs of integer residues where . To graph a congruence on modulo graph paper, we mark every point that satisfies the congruence. For example, a graph of would consist of the points , , , , and .
The graphs of and on modulo graph paper have some points in common. What is the sum of the -coordinates of those points?
The graphs of and on modulo graph paper have some points in common. What is the sum of the -coordinates of those points?
Solution
We are looking for pairs that satisfy both and . Thus, the -coordinates in all such pairs satisfy Subtracting from both sides of this congruence, we have which is equivalent to (since ).
Thus the solutions we seek are values in the range such that divides . The solutions are so the sum of -coordinates is .
(As a check, note that the pairs and satisfy both of the original congruences, so these are the points shared by the two graphs.)
Thus the solutions we seek are values in the range such that divides . The solutions are so the sum of -coordinates is .
(As a check, note that the pairs and satisfy both of the original congruences, so these are the points shared by the two graphs.)
Final answer
10