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Carmichael number facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

In number theory a Carmichael number is a composite positive integer n, which satisfies the congruence b^{n-1}\equiv 1\pmod{n} for all integers b which are relatively prime to n. Being relatively prime means that they do not have common divisors, other than 1. Such numbers are named after Robert Carmichael.

All prime numbers p satisfy b^{p-1}\equiv 1\pmod{p} for all integers b which are relatively prime to p. This has been proven by the famous mathematician Pierre de Fermat. In most cases if a number n is composite, it does not satisfy this congruence equation. So, there exist not so many Carmichael numbers. We can say that Carmichael numbers are composite numbers that behave a little bit like they would be a prime number.

Images for kids

  • Vaclav Simerka

    Václav Šimerka listed the first seven Carmichael numbers

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Número de Carmichael para niños

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Carmichael number Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.