Stuck, finding inverse in element in ring Z

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the inverse of the element 7 in the ring Z_{13}. Participants explore the concept of modular arithmetic and the properties of rings.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss using the extended Euclidean algorithm as a method to find the inverse, while also considering simpler approaches such as guessing. There are questions about the meaning of variables in the context of the equation 7x = 1 + k*13.

Discussion Status

The conversation includes attempts to clarify the relationship between the variables and the equation. Some participants suggest exploring values through guessing, while others provide insights into the structure of the ring and its elements. There is an acknowledgment of the simplicity of the problem due to the small size of Z_{13}.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference the properties of rings and modular arithmetic, with some expressing initial confusion about the concept of a ring and how it relates to their problem. The discussion reflects a learning process regarding these foundational concepts.

jdnhldn
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Homework Statement



I need to find the inverse to element in 7 in ring [tex]Z_{13}[/tex]

Homework Equations



7^-1 in [tex]Z_{13}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



Needs to find X so that, 7x=1 in [tex]Z_{13}[/tex] => 7x=1+k*13

And then my notes was messed up :(
 
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The general method is the extended Euclidean algorithm. But Z_13 is small enough it's probably easier to just guess the answer. Try that first.
 
Dick said:
The general method is the extended Euclidean algorithm. But Z_13 is small enough it's probably easier to just guess the answer. Try that first.

This was a note from the class, I've forgotten what k means in this one. May I please ask you what you think it means?
 
jdnhldn said:
This was a note from the class, I've forgotten what k means in this one. May I please ask you what you think it means?

It's some integer that you want to find, just like x. If you can find integers x and k such that 7x=1+k*13 then if you reduce both side mod 13, you'll see x is 7^(-1). Like I said, see if you can find values by guessing.
 
You want to find x and k such that 7x= 13k+ 1. That is the same as 7x- 13k= 1.
7 divides into 13 once with remainder 6. That says 13= (1)(7)+ 6 or (1)(13)+ (-1)(7)= 6

6 divides into 7 once with remainder 1. That says 7= (1)(6)+ 1 or (1)(7)+ (-1)(6)= 1.
Replacing "6" in that from the previous equation, (1)(7)+ (-1)((1)(13)+ (-1)(7))= (2)(7)- 13(1)= 1.

But, as Dick said, 13 is small enough that it's probably simpler to just look at 7(1), 7(2), 7(3), etc. You do know what 7 times 2 is, don't you?
 
So z13= 0 to 13 in the ring. First I didn't get what a ring was, then I saw an example of the clock that z12 is 12=0 and 11+1=12=0 and 12+1=13-1=0. Something in that style. Now I got it.

inverse elements to 7 in ring z13 = 2

Thanks guy.
 

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