Legendre Symbol Calculator

Calculate the Legendre symbol (a/p) for an integer a and odd prime p.

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Definition

The Legendre symbol (a/p) is defined as:

(a/p) = 0 if p divides a

(a/p) = 1 if a is a QR mod p

(a/p) = -1 if a is a NR mod p

Euler's Criterion

(a/p) ≡ a^((p-1)/2) (mod p)

Properties

  • (ab/p) = (a/p)(b/p)
  • (a^2/p) = 1
  • (-1/p) = (-1)^((p-1)/2)
  • (2/p) = (-1)^((p^2-1)/8)

Legendre Symbol

(7/13) = -1

a mod p
7
a^((p-1)/2) mod p
12

Interpretation

7 is a non-residue mod 13

Legendre Symbols for 1 to 12

123456789101112
QR: 6NR: 6

Calculation Method

Euler's Criterion

7^6 mod 13 = 12 ≡ -1