Question #215092

Find all the zero divisors of 15.


1
Expert's answer
2021-07-09T11:20:15-0400

In order to find all the zero divisors in Z15\mathbb{Z}_{15}, we will solve the equation xy=0xy=0 (mod 15) in integers.

Since 15 divides xy, then 3 and 5 divide xy.

Since 3 is a prime number, at least one of x, y must be divisible by 3. We may assume without loss of generality that x is divisible by 3.

Since 5 is a prime number, at least one of x, y must be divisible by 5. If x is divisible by 5, then it is divisible by 15 (since 3 and 5 are coprime), i.e. x=0 mod 15. Hence, we do not obtain non-trivial solution and any zero divisors.

If y is divisible by 5, then x=3k, y=5n, xy=3k5n=15nm=0xy=3k\cdot 5n=15nm=0 (mod 15). Therefore, all the zero divisors modulo 15 are multiples of 3 and multiples of 5. In Z15\mathbb{Z}_{15} they are 3,6,9,12 and 5,10.

By the definition, 0 is not counted as a zero divisor.


Answer: 3,6,9,12 and 5,10.


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