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Find a number $0 \leq a < 73$ with $a≡9^{794}\mod 73$.

I know that $a$ and $73$ are relatively prime and $a^{72}≡1 \mod73$. But I couldn't use the theorem.

Can someone help me please?

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    Don't focus on powers of $a$. You're not asked to calculate powers of $a$. You're asked to calculate powers of $9$, in a very roundabout way. – Arthur May 26 '20 at 14:37
  • Just use the theorem. $73$ is prime so $9$ is relatively prime to $73$ so $9^{72}\equiv 1\pmod {73}$. And If $9^{72}\equiv 1 \pmod {73}$ then $9^{7211 + 2} \equiv (9^{72})^{11} 9^2 \equiv 1^{11}9^2 \equiv 19^2\equiv 9^2 \pmod {73}$. – fleablood May 26 '20 at 14:50
  • no i got it. thank you very much for your answers –  May 26 '20 at 14:55

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$a\equiv9^{794}\equiv9^{72\times11+2}\equiv(\color{blue}{9^{72}})^{11}9^2\equiv(\color{blue}1)^{11}9^2\equiv81\bmod73$.

Can you take it from here?

J. W. Tanner
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