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Here is a similar example: Suppose you want to find $x$ where ($0\leq x\leq 100$) and $17^{13}\equiv x \pmod {101}$. As $17^{13}$ is too large for most calculators to show exactly we start with $17^6=24137569$ and, first dividing this by 101, we find that $17^6=(238985)(101)+84$ so we now know that $17^6\equiv 84 \pmod{101}.$

The next step is to use this to tackle $17^{13}$. $$17^{13}=(17^6)^2 \times 17 $$ $$ \equiv 84^2 \times 17 \equiv 119952 \pmod {101} $$ $$119952 =1187\times 101 + 65 $$ $$\equiv 65 \pmod{101}$$ Hence $x=65$.

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There's a Limit

Explore the continued fraction: 2+3/(2+3/(2+3/2+...)) What do you notice when successive terms are taken? What happens to the terms if the fraction goes on indefinitely?

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Find the remainder when 3^{2001} is divided by 7.

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The NRICH Project aims to enrich the mathematical experiences of all learners. To support this aim, members of the NRICH team work in a wide range of capacities, including providing professional development for teachers wishing to embed rich mathematical tasks into everyday classroom practice.

NRICH is part of the family of activities in the Millennium Mathematics Project.

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