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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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Word History
First Known Use
1941, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of modular arithmetic was
in 1941
Dictionary Entries Near modular arithmetic
Cite this Entry
“Modular arithmetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modular%20arithmetic. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
modular arithmetic
noun
: arithmetic that deals with whole numbers in such a way that all numbers are replaced by their remainders after division by a modulus
5 hours after 10 o'clock is 3 o'clock because clocks follow a modular arithmetic with modulus 12
More from Merriam-Webster on modular arithmetic
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about modular arithmetic
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