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Find $n\in \mathbb N$ so that $(\mathbb Z_n, +, \cdot)$ has exactly 4 invertible elements and 5 zero-divisors.

As I couldn't find any theorem that would lead me toward a solution, so I have been trying guessing and checking with no results so far, so I am asking for a push in the right direction.

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    Is it exactly 4 invertible elements and exactly 5 zero-divisors?2012-09-01
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    @lhf yep! I am sure.2012-09-01
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    In this case, $n$ would have to be 9 but $\mathbb Z_9$ has 6 units.2012-09-02
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    Also, $\phi(n)=4$ iff $n=5, 8, 10, 12$.2012-09-02
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    Perhaps we are using a definition whereby zero is not a zero-divisor.2012-09-02

1 Answers 1

5

HINT: $x$ is a unit in $\mathbb{Z}_n$ if and only if gcd$(n,x) = 1$

EDIT: furthermore: Let $R$ be a finite ring with unity, and $x \in R$: $x$ is a unit in $R$ if and only if $x$ is no zero divisor and $x \neq 0$

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    @BenMillwood My bad!2012-09-01