# Generator of $\mathbb{F}_{q}^*$ where $q$ is not prime.

I'm trying to find the generator of the multiplicative group $$\mathbb{F}_{8}^*$$, where $$\mathbb{F}_8$$ is a field. If the order of the field is prime, then it is easy since in that case the field would be isomorphic to the integers modulo, say p. However, for cases where the order of the field is not prime, I'm stuck. Can anyone help me out?

• By $\Bbb F_q^x$ do you mean the multiplicative group of nonzero elements of $\Bbb F_q$? This is usually denoted as $\Bbb F_q^\times$ or $\Bbb F_q^*$. When $q=8$, it has seven elements, and seven is a prime number, so any element other than the identity is a generator. – Lord Shark the Unknown Jan 1 at 11:56
• @Xenidia Can you please explain your multiplicative group $\mathbb{F}^x_q$? Is it the same as $\mathbb{F}^*_q$ – toric_actions Jan 1 at 12:04
• See also the answers to this question on $\Bbb{F}_q^{\times}$. In general, see also this duplicate. – Dietrich Burde Jan 1 at 13:56
• So $t + (t^3+t+1)$ is a generator of $\mathbb{F}_2[t]/(t^3+t+1)^\times \cong \mathbb{F}_8^\times$ – reuns Jan 1 at 17:02