modular arithmetic
noun
: arithmetic that deals with whole numbers where the numbers are replaced by their remainders after division by a fixed number
in a modular arithmetic with modulus 5, 3 multiplied by 4 is 2
Examples of modular arithmetic in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Suddenly, mathematicians learned to apply tools like modular arithmetic and factorization to these new number systems.
—
Quanta Magazine, 1 Nov. 2023
Using this complicated modular arithmetic based on a prime number, but essentially raising a number to hidden powers as in the previous section, Alice and Bob establish a common secret number, in this example, 3.
—Amir Aczel, Discover Magazine, 31 July 2013
There are two good reasons for using modular arithmetic.
—Amir Aczel, Discover Magazine, 31 July 2013
Mathematicians employ modular arithmetic all the time to investigate the deepest questions in their field.
—Quanta Magazine, 14 Sep. 2021
The Chinese remainder theorem resides in a field of math called modular arithmetic that studies numbers by analyzing their remainders when they are divided by other numbers.
—Quanta Magazine, 18 Nov. 2021
In other cases, modular arithmetic can rule out the possibility that a polynomial equation has any whole-number solutions.
—Quanta Magazine, 14 Sep. 2021
To see how p-adic number systems emerge from modular arithmetic, start by classifying all integers modulo a specific prime number.
—Quanta Magazine, 19 Oct. 2020
The p-adic numbers are based in modular arithmetic, which is a method of counting that loops back on itself, like a clock.
—Quanta Magazine, 19 Oct. 2020
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Quanta Magazine, 1 Nov. 2023
Using this complicated modular arithmetic based on a prime number, but essentially raising a number to hidden powers as in the previous section, Alice and Bob establish a common secret number, in this example, 3.
—Amir Aczel, Discover Magazine, 31 July 2013
There are two good reasons for using modular arithmetic.
—Amir Aczel, Discover Magazine, 31 July 2013
Mathematicians employ modular arithmetic all the time to investigate the deepest questions in their field.
—Quanta Magazine, 14 Sep. 2021
The Chinese remainder theorem resides in a field of math called modular arithmetic that studies numbers by analyzing their remainders when they are divided by other numbers.
—Quanta Magazine, 18 Nov. 2021
In other cases, modular arithmetic can rule out the possibility that a polynomial equation has any whole-number solutions.
—Quanta Magazine, 14 Sep. 2021
To see how p-adic number systems emerge from modular arithmetic, start by classifying all integers modulo a specific prime number.
—Quanta Magazine, 19 Oct. 2020
The p-adic numbers are based in modular arithmetic, which is a method of counting that loops back on itself, like a clock.
—Quanta Magazine, 19 Oct. 2020
Cite this Entry
“Modular arithmetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modular%20arithmetic. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.
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