The regular $n$-gon is constructible by ruler and compass precisely when the odd prime factors of $n$ are distinct Fermat primes. Prove that in this case, $φ(n)$ is a power of $2$. Where $φ(n)$ is Euler's totient function.
I am having difficulty with this, I used the hints from here but still can't seem to get it. It would be useful if someone could provide me their version of the proof or tell me what I have done wrong.
My attempt: I think $n$ has divisors $1,2^i,2^{2^i}+1,n$ So since $φ(n)$ is multiplicative we can write $φ(2^{2^i}+1)φ(2^i)$
Then using the fact $φ(p^k)=p^{k-1}(p-1)$ I get:
$2^{2^i}(2^{2^i}+1)2^{i-1}(2^i-1)$
Then I try to exapand but can't arrive at showing it is a power of two so feel I must be wrong somewhere.
You are simply misapplying the formula $\phi(p^k) = p^{k-1} (p-1)$. Just think carefully about what $p$ and $k$ should be in the two cases $p^k = 2^{2^i}+1$ and $p^k = 2^i$. You'll find that $\phi(2^{2^i}+1)$ is not $2^{2^i}(2^{2^i}+1)$ and $\phi(2^i)$ is somewhat simpler than $2^{i-1}(2^i - 1)$.