Understanding Associativity of Multiplication Modulo n

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter sush4sep
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Multiplication
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Associativity for multiplication modulo n is established by the equation (a*b)*c = a*(b*c) for any integers a, b, and c. This property allows the extension of multiplication modulo n to any number of operands without ambiguity. The discussion confirms that (ab)c - a(bc) is a multiple of n, reinforcing that the standard multiplication of integers is associative, thus validating the associativity of multiplication modulo n.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic modular arithmetic
  • Familiarity with binary operations
  • Knowledge of integer multiplication
  • Concept of equivalence classes in modular systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of modular arithmetic
  • Explore the concept of equivalence relations in mathematics
  • Learn about binary operations and their properties
  • Study the implications of associativity in algebraic structures
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, computer scientists, and students studying abstract algebra or number theory who seek to understand the properties of operations in modular systems.

sush4sep
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
please explain me associativity for multiplication modulo n
 
Physics news on Phys.org
? Associativity for any binary operation is just (a*b)*c= a*(b*c). The point is that this allows us to extend the binary operation (defined for two operands) unambiguously to any number. I am not sure what you mean by "explain it for multiplication modulo n".

Perhaps this: let a, b c be numbers. Then (ab)c= a(bc) (mod n) if and only if (ab)c- a(bc) (mod n) which is the same as saying that (ab)c- a(bc), as an "ordinary" number, is a multiple of n. But in fact, because the usual multiplication of integers is associative, (ab)c= a(bc) so (ab)c- a(bc)= 0= 0(n) is a multiple of n.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K