Abstract. Let $\varphi $ denote the Euler function. For a fixed integer $k\not=0$, we study positive integers $n$ for which the largest prime factor of $\varphi(n)$ also divides $\varphi(n+k)$. We obtain an unconditional upper bound on the number of such integers $n\le x$, as well as unconditional lower bounds in each of the cases $k>0$ and $k< 0$. We also obtain some conditional lower bounds, for example, under the Prime $K$-tuplets Conjecture. Our lower bounds are based on explicit constructions.
AMS Subject Classification
(1991): 11A25
Keyword(s):
Euler function,
largest prime factor,
shift
Received July 6, 2004, and in revised form April 4, 2006. (Registered under 5934/2009.)
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