Modulus & Division: Last Digit of Numbers Explained

In summary, the conversation discusses the mathematical concept of modulo 10 and its relation to the last digit of a number in base 10 representation. The conversation also mentions the usefulness of this concept in performing quick calculations.
  • #1
Rishav sapahi
19
0
Isn't it amusing ?What could be the probable explanation for this?Also when operated by division operator gives the rest of the number as the quotient
(Note only when the divisor is 10)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Rishav sapahi said:
(Note only when the divisor is 10)

Are you asking why k (mod 10) is equal to the integer corresponding to the last digit in the representation of k base 10 ?
 
  • #3
This allows you to do really fun calculations, actually. Quick, what are the last two digits of 7482? Well, that's just 7482 (mod 100). Since 7 and 100 are relatively prime, and since φ(100) = 40 (where φ is the Euler phi function), 740 = 1 (mod 100), and so 7482 = 72 (mod 100) = 49. So the last two digits are 49. Amaze your friends with this! ;)
 
  • Like
Likes Rishav sapahi
  • #4
Stephen Tashi said:
Are you asking why k (mod 10) is equal to the integer corresponding to the last digit in the representation of k base 10 ?
Yes , for me , its very much amusing .This thing is forcing me to study number theory .
 
Last edited:
  • #5


I find this topic interesting and definitely amusing. The explanation for the last digit of numbers is related to the concept of modulus, which is a mathematical operation that calculates the remainder after division. When we divide a number by 10, the remainder will always be the last digit of the original number. This is because the decimal system is based on powers of 10, so when we divide by 10, we are essentially removing the last digit and the remainder is what is left.

Furthermore, the division operator also plays a role in this concept. When we divide a number by 10, the result is the quotient, which is the whole number part of the division. This means that the remainder, or last digit, is essentially the difference between the original number and the quotient. This is why the division operator gives the remainder as the quotient when the divisor is 10.

Overall, this phenomenon can be explained by the fundamental principles of mathematics and the decimal system. It is a fascinating concept and shows the interconnectedness of different mathematical operations.
 

1. What is modulus in mathematics?

The modulus is a mathematical operation that gives the remainder when a number is divided by another number. It is represented by the symbol %.

2. How is modulus used in division?

Modulus is used in division to find the remainder. For example, 10 divided by 3 is equal to 3 with a remainder of 1, which can be represented as 10 % 3 = 1.

3. What is the significance of the last digit in a number when using modulus?

The last digit of a number is important when using modulus because it determines the possible remainders. For example, if the last digit of a number is 5, then the possible remainders when dividing by 2 are 0 and 1.

4. How can modulus be used to check for even or odd numbers?

Modulus can be used to check for even or odd numbers by dividing the number by 2 and checking the remainder. If the remainder is 0, then the number is even. If the remainder is 1, then the number is odd.

5. What other applications does modulus have in mathematics?

Modulus has many applications in mathematics, including but not limited to: finding the last digit of a number, checking for divisibility, generating random numbers, and calculating the day of the week for a given date.

Similar threads

Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
19
Views
3K
  • Linear and Abstract Algebra
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
22
Views
6K
Back
Top