[seqfan] Re: number-theoretic notation

[Ed Jeffery]

JP,

Or what should be the same thing: m == 0 (mod p) or (mod p^{alpha}), but
the authors did not write an exponent. In either case, the notation should
mean "divides exactly." The problem is that they used both versions in the
same sentence. Thanks very much for your quick reply.

>Usually the notation p^{\alpha} || n means "divides exactly",
>meaning that alpha is the largest power of p such that p^{\alpha}
>divides n. Like 2^3 || 24
>(here p is prime and alpha an integer)