Prove that $4| \sigma(4k+3)$ for each positive integer $k$

elementary-number-theorynumber theory

I am struggling with a part of Apostol concerning divisor functions of $\sigma_\alpha(n)$, when $\alpha =1$, this denotes the sum of divisors of $n$

I wish to prove that $4| \sigma(4k+3)$ for each positive integer $k$

I started:
Since $\alpha$ is multiplicative we have:
$\alpha(p_1^{a_1}…p_k^{a_k}) = \sigma(p_1^{a_1})… \sigma(p_k^{a_k})$

The divisors of a prime power $p^a$ are: $1,p, p^2,…p^a$

This is a geometric series: Hence: $\sigma(p^a) = \frac{p^{a+1}-1}{p-1}$

But I guess I started the wrong way….
Any help appreciated

Best Answer

Suppose $4k+3=p^{\alpha}$, where $p$ is a prime. Then $p \equiv 3 \mod 4$ (otherwise $p^{\alpha}\equiv 1\mod 4$). Thus, $3\equiv p^{\alpha}\equiv 3^{\alpha} \mod 4 \Longrightarrow \alpha$ is odd. Thus, $$\sigma(p^{\alpha})= 1+p+p^2+...+p^{\alpha}\equiv 1+3+3^2+...+3^{\alpha}\equiv 1+(-1)+(-1)^2+...+(-1)^{\alpha}\mod 4$$ Since $\alpha$ is odd, the above sum is $0$.

Now if $n=4k+3$ is not a prime power, then it can be written as a product of prime powers. Since $n\equiv 3\mod 4$, atleast one of the prime powers must be $3\mod 4$, and since $\sigma$ is multiplicative the result follows.

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