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Prove that if $p$ divides $a^2+b^2$ , then $ p \equiv \ 1 \pmod 4$.

I know that both $a$ and $b$ are coprimes with $p$ but i dont know what to do next.

Sewer Keeper
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Tom
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1 Answers1

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$b$ is invertible $\bmod p$, i.e., there is $c$ with $bc\equiv 1\pmod p$. Then $(ac)^2+1=c^2(a^2+b^2)\equiv 0\pmod 4$. Can you take it from here?

  • How did we get to the mod 4 there? And i am afraid i still can't see what to do. – Tom Jun 04 '20 at 17:22