On the congruence $\sum_{j=1}^{n-1} j^{k(n-1)} \equiv -1 \pmod n $. k-strong Giuga and k-Carmichael numbers

Abstract

In this work we consider the congruence $\sum_{j=1}^{n-1} j^{k(n-1)} \equiv -1 \pmod n$ for each $k \in \mathbb{N}$, thus extending Giuga's ideas for $k=1$. In particular, it is proved that a pair $(n,k)\in \mathbb{N}^2$ satisfies this congruence if and only if $n$ is prime or a Giuga Number and $\lambda(n) \mid k(n-1)$. In passing, we establish new characterizations of Giuga numbers and we study some properties of the numbers $n$ satisfying $\lambda(n) \mid k(n-1)$.