[Math] Calculate $\phi(36)$, where $\phi$ is the Euler Totient function. Use this to calculate $13788 \pmod {36}$.

elementary-number-theorytotient-function

I am wondering if anyone can help me. I am trying to figure out how to

Calculate $\phi(36)$, where $\phi$ is the Euler Totient function. Use this to calculate $13788 \pmod {36}$.

I have an exam coming up an this will be one style of question. Can anyone please walk me through how it is done?

Thanks to SchrodingersCat I now know first part is $12$.

The second part should be along the lines of below but I do not understand how this was arrived at.
\begin{align}
13788 \pmod {36} &= 13788 \pmod {\phi(36)} \pmod {36} \\ &= 13788 \pmod {12} \pmod {36} \\ &= 138 \pmod {36} \\ &= ((132)2)2 \pmod {36} \\ &= (252)2 \pmod {36} \\ &= 132 \pmod {36} \\ &= 25
\end{align}

Can anyone show me why it is $25$ and how do I get it?

Best Answer

$36=4\times9$

Since $4$ and $9$ are relatively prime, we have

$\phi(36)=\phi(4)\phi(9)$

Using the identity that for any prime $p$, $\phi(p^n)=p^n-p^{n-1}$

$\phi(4)\phi(9)=\phi(2^2)\phi(3^2)=(2^2-2).(3^2-3)=12$

As for the second part of the question, then, 13788 (mod 12) (mod 36) $\ne 138(mod 36)$ and hence your question is wrong.

There seems to be typo error and this part of the question can be modified to $13^{788}(mod\ 36) = 13^{788(mod \phi(36))}(mod\ 36) = 13^{788(mod 12)}(mod\ 36)=13^8(mod\ 36)=25$

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