Solving a power sum congruence

We present a general algorithm for solving the congruence $x^{n}+y^{n}\equiv 0 \pmod m$ for integers $m\ge 2$ and determine the number of solutions. We begin with the case of prime power moduli, where unit solutions are classified using primitive roots and Hensel’s lemma. These solutions are shown to lie on certain modular lines. Nonunit solutions are then described, and we prove that mixed solutions do not occur. Finally, the Chinese remainder theorem yields a complete description of the solutions for arbitrary moduli, and several illustrative examples are provided.

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Publication Details

Journal
The Art of Discrete and Applied Mathematics
Published
2026-02-23
DOI
https://doi.org/10.26493/2590-9770.1944.e44
Primary Topic
Analytic Number Theory Research
Type
article
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article

Solving a power sum congruence

Pentti Haukkanen
The Art of Discrete and Applied Mathematics
Analytic Number Theory Research
article

Solving a power sum congruence

Pentti Haukkanen
article en

Abstract

We present a general algorithm for solving the congruence $x^{n}+y^{n}\equiv 0 \pmod m$ for integers $m\ge 2$ and determine the number of solutions. We begin with the case of prime power moduli, where unit solutions are classified using primitive roots and Hensel’s lemma. These solutions are shown to lie on certain modular lines. Nonunit solutions are then described, and we prove that mixed solutions do not occur. Finally, the Chinese remainder theorem yields a complete description of the solutions for arbitrary moduli, and several illustrative examples are provided.

The Art of Discrete and Applied Mathematics
Tampere University (FI)
Peace, Justice and strong institutions
Openalex Percentile: Top 41%
Analytic Number Theory Research
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