# Thread: Gauss Lemma (Number Theory)

1. ## Gauss Lemma (Number Theory)

Use Gauss Lemma (Number theory) to calculate the Legendre Symbol $(\frac{6}{13})$.

I know how to use Gauss Lemma. However we use the book: Ireland and Rosen. They define Gauss Lemma as:

$(\frac{a}{p})=(-1)^n$. They say: Let $\pm m_t$ be the least residue of $ta$, where $m_t$ is positive. As $t$ ranges between 1 and $\frac{(p-1)}{2}$, n is the number of minus signs that occur in this way. I don't understand how to use this form of Gauss's Lemma

2. Originally Posted by mathsss2
Use Gauss Lemma (Number theory) to calculate the Legendre Symbol $(\frac{6}{13})$.

I know how to use Gauss Lemma. However we use the book: Ireland and Rosen. They define Gauss Lemma as:

$(\frac{a}{p})=(-1)^n$. They say: Let $\pm m_t$ be the least residue of $ta$, where $m_t$ is positive. As $t$ ranges between 1 and $\frac{(p-1)}{2}$, n is the number of minus signs that occur in this way. I don't understand how to use this form of Gauss's Lemma
In $\{ 6,12,18,24,30,36\}$ the corresponding remainders are $\{6, -1, 5, -2, 4, -3 \}$.
There are $3$ negative signs.
Therefore, $(6/13) = (-1)^3 = -1$.