Master Arithmetic with Comprehensive Tables

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around arithmetic tables, specifically multiplication tables, and their application in modular arithmetic. Participants explore how to interpret these tables, the implications of using them in calculations, and the conditions under which certain equations can yield integer solutions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants explain that multiplication tables work by selecting a row and column to find the product at their intersection.
  • There is a question about the implications of having x greater than 6 in the equation x^2=3+n*7, with uncertainty about proving n cannot be an integer.
  • One participant expresses confusion over the results of basic arithmetic operations, suggesting that there may be a modulo operation involved.
  • Another participant confirms that the arithmetic is indeed modulo 7, which allows for x to be greater than 6 under certain conditions.
  • A participant proposes a polynomial derived from squaring x in the context of modular arithmetic and seeks insights on the conditions for integer roots of this polynomial.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the interpretation of arithmetic tables and the implications of modular arithmetic. There is no consensus on the conditions under which n can be an integer or how to approach proving it.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes unresolved mathematical steps and assumptions related to modular arithmetic and the properties of polynomials.

*Jas*
Arithmetic tables...?!?

:confused:
Any help would be v much appreciated!
 

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Are you asking what those tables are? How to read them? How to answer that question in picture?
 
The tables work like ordinary multiplication tables -- choose the row & column of the numbers you're multiplying, then their intersection has the product.

Hint on the questions: the squares are on the diagonal of the multiplication table.
 
CRGreathouse said:
The tables work like ordinary multiplication tables -- choose the row & column of the numbers you're multiplying, then their intersection has the product.

Hint on the questions: the squares are on the diagonal of the multiplication table.

What if x is greater then 6 though?

x^2=3+n*7

Aside from trying every possible value of n I'm not sure how to prove n can't be an integer.
 
John Creighto said:
What if x is greater then 6 though?

x^2=3+n*7

Aside from trying every possible value of n I'm not sure how to prove n can't be an integer.

How can x be greater than 6?
 
CRGreathouse said:
The tables work like ordinary multiplication tables -- choose the row & column of the numbers you're multiplying, then their intersection has the product.

Hint on the questions: the squares are on the diagonal of the multiplication table.
Has math changed so much since I was a boy?


Since when does 6+6 = 5?
Since when does 6x6 = 1?

It looks like there's some sort of modulo going on.
 
DaveC426913 said:
Has math changed so much since I was a boy?


Since when does 6+6 = 5?
Since when does 6x6 = 1?

It looks like there's some sort of modulo going on.

Yes. The subscript on the Z means it's modulo 7 arithmetic.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modular_arithmetic

That is why I wrote:
x^2=3+n*7

So x could be greater then 6 for a suitably large choice of n but I don't know if it can be an integer.
 
So I had some thoughts of n greater then 6. In general any number can be written in modula 7 via the division algorithm
x=r+nq

So if we square x we get:
(r+nq)^2=r^2+2rnq+n^2q^2
Which is equal to 3. Therefore:
r^2+2rnq+n^2q^2=3
rearranging we get:
q^2n^2+2rqn+(r^2-3)=0

Now, perhaps someone who knows something of group theory can tell me under what conditions the above polynomial of n, will have integer roots. If we know that condition are we easily able to choose an r and a q that will satisfy this condition?
 
Last edited:

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