RSA Modular Math Cheat Sheet

Extended Euclidean + successive squaring — course canonical example

Key generation (p=11, q=17)

Extended Euclidean (e=19, φ=160)

When B=0, d = coefficient from prior row. Check: 19×59 = 1121 ≡ 1 (mod 160).

Successive squaring — encrypt M=21, e=19, n=187

Decrypt check

M = 98⁵⁹ mod 187 = 21

Template for any exam problem

  1. Compute φ(n) from primes
  2. Run Extended Euclidean table until remainder = 0 → read d
  3. Write e in binary; square-and-multiply mod n for C = M^e mod n