Is (ka)mod kb Equal to k(a mod b)?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the mathematical question of whether the expression (ka) mod kb is equal to k(a mod b). Participants explore this question through various examples, counterexamples, and proofs, focusing on the properties of the modulus operation and its implications in different scenarios.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that (ka) mod kb is not equal to k(a mod b), providing reasoning based on the properties of division and remainders.
  • Others propose counterexamples to challenge the initial claims, suggesting specific values for a, b, and k that yield different results for the two expressions.
  • A participant presents a proof using the definition of the modulus function, arguing that k(a mod b) equals (ka) mod (kb) under certain conditions.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of the remainder theorem and discusses the uniqueness of remainders in the context of the modulus operation.
  • Some participants express confusion or disagreement regarding the validity of the claims made, particularly in relation to specific cases and the assumptions involved.
  • There are repeated assertions that the equality holds under certain conditions, while others maintain that it does not, leading to further exploration of the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the equality of (ka) mod kb and k(a mod b). Multiple competing views are presented, with some arguing for the equality and others against it, leading to an unresolved discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight that the validity of the equality may depend on specific conditions, such as the values of k, a, and b, and the assumptions made regarding their properties.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those studying modular arithmetic, number theory, or related mathematical fields, particularly in understanding the nuances of modulus operations and their properties.

Apteronotus
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Hi

Just a simple Mod question.

Is (ka)mod kb = k(a mod b)?

Thanks
 
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(ka) mod kb is the remainder when ka is divided by kb. Obviously, ka/kb= a/b and so has the same remainder as a divided by b. Therefore, the answer to your question is "no". What is true is that (ka) mod kb= a mod b.
 
perhaps a counter example to your reply...

15 mod 9 = 6
5 mod 3 = 2
but
3(5 mod 3) = 6
 
Yes I do believe I am correct. Suppose
ka mod kb = c
and
a mod b = d
then this means that
ka = Z(kb)+c
and
a = Z(b)+d
where Z is an integer
Hence c/k=d, and if this is true then
ka mod kb = c = kd = k(a mod b)

Thank you for your reply anyway.
 
Apteronotus said:
Yes I do believe I am correct. Suppose
ka mod kb = c
and
a mod b = d
then this means that
ka = Z(kb)+c
and
a = Z(b)+d
where Z is an integer
Hence c/k=d, and if this is true then
ka mod kb = c = kd = k(a mod b)

Thank you for your reply anyway.

This is a special case.
[itex]ka=Z(kb)+c[/itex] and [itex]a=Z'(b)+d[/itex],where[itex]Z,Z'\in\mathbb Z[/itex]
But generally,[itex]Z\not =Z'[/itex]
 
Last edited:
kntsy said:
This is a special case.
[itex]ka=Z(kb)+c[/itex] and [itex]a=Z'(b)+d[/itex],where[itex]Z,Z'\in\mathbb Z[/itex]
But generally,[itex]Z\not =Z'[/itex]

No I don't think so.

We have
ka=(kb)Z+c where 0<c<kb
and
a = bZ'+d where 0<d<b
multiplying the second equation by k we arrive at
ka = kb Z' +kd
so
kb Z +c = kb Z'+kd
kb(Z-Z')=kd-c
(Z-Z')=(kd-c)/kb
Hence the right hand side must be an integer. But since both kd and c are in (0,kb), the distance between them kd-c cannot be larger than kb. so it must be zero.
Giving us Z=Z'
 
First, your equality can only be valid for [itex]k\geq 0[/itex]. Second, everyone seems to be forgetting the remainder theorem: for b,a in Z, there are unique integers q and r, such that:
[tex] b = aq + r, 0 \leq r <\left|a\right|[/tex]

Therefore:
[tex] b=aq + r \Rightarrow kb = \left(ka\right)q + kr[/tex]

But, as [itex]0 \leq r <\left|a\right|[/itex] and [itex]k \geq 0[/itex] then [itex]0 \leq kr <\left|ka\right|[/itex], which means that (by uniqueness) kr is the remainder of kb divided by ka, hence:

(kb mod ka) = kr = k(a mod b), [itex]k\geq 0[/itex]
 
Last edited:
JSuarez said:
..., hence (kb mod ka) = a mod b, for [itex]k\geq 0[/itex].

2*7 mod 2*3 = 2
7 mod 3 = 1

?
 
Sorry. There was a typo in the last equality; it's corrected now.

2*7 mod 2*3 = 2(7 mod 3) = 2
 
  • #10
HallsofIvy said:
(ka) mod kb is the remainder when ka is divided by kb. Obviously, ka/kb= a/b and so has the same remainder as a divided by b. Therefore, the answer to your question is "no". What is true is that (ka) mod kb= a mod b.

Not true...
Suppose a=12, b=5, k=8
Then you have, ka=96, kb=40

Sure, a/b=2.4 and ka/kb=2.4

But, a mod b = 2 whereas (ka) mod (kb) = 16



And, by the way, the answer (if it was unclear by reading through this thread), is "yes"
k * (a mod b) = (ka) mod (kb) for ALL a, b, k such that k<>0 and b<>0 (otherwise, you will have a divide-by-zero error)
 
  • #11
zgozvrm said:
And, by the way, the answer (if it was unclear by reading through this thread), is "yes"
k * (a mod b) = (ka) mod (kb) for ALL a, b, k such that k<>0 and b<>0 (otherwise, you will have a divide-by-zero error)

Here's the proof...

Let's first assume that the symbol, [tex]\odot[/tex] is the operator for the function "mod"
and that the function "int" returns an integer which rounded down from it's argument; for example, int(8.9) = 8, but int(-8.9)= -9

[tex]a \odot b = a - int \left( \frac{a}{b} \right) * b[/tex] (this is the definition of the mod function)

Therefore,
[tex]k * ( a \odot b) = k * \left( a - int \left( \frac{a}{b} \right) * b \right) = ka - int \left( \frac{a}{b} \right) * kb[/tex]

Then,
[tex](ka) \odot (kb) = (ka) - int \left( \frac{ka}{kb} \right) * kb[/tex]

but since [tex]\frac{ka}{kb} = \frac{a}{b}[/tex]

we have

[tex](ka) \odot (kb) = (ka) - int \left( \frac{a}{b} \right) * kb[/tex]

which has already been shown to be equal to [tex]k * (a \odot b)[/tex]
 
Last edited:
  • #12
I found the above terribly painful, but completely correct. To prove your deal, just use the euclidean algorithm. Write
[tex] a = q\cdot b + r,[/tex]
where [itex]q[/tex] is the quotient and [itex]r[/itex] is the remainder ([itex]0\leq r< |b|[/itex]). Then, just multiply everything by [itex]k.[/itex]<br /> <br /> In fairness, this is just zgozvrm proof with less abusive notation. Note that Halls of Ivy just confused the quotient with the reminder.[/itex]
 
  • #13
Thank you all for your replies.
 

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