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1/2 should be the multiplicative inverse of 2. In mod 7, the mult. inverse of 2 is 4 (4*2 = 2*4 = 8 mod 7 = 1). So 1/2 mod 7 could be interpreted as 4. Similar logic for the others. | 1/2 should be the multiplicative inverse of 2. In mod 7, the mult. inverse of 2 is 4 (4*2 = 2*4 = 8 mod 7 = 1). So 1/2 mod 7 could be interpreted as 4. Similar logic for the others. | ||
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| + | I understand what you're saying for 1/2. It makes sense. But how does that follow for numbers like sqrt(-3)? | ||
Revision as of 14:42, 22 October 2008
I used the examples on page 249 to "give a reasonable interpretation". Is that what they want?
I think what they want is something like this...
1/2 should be the multiplicative inverse of 2. In mod 7, the mult. inverse of 2 is 4 (4*2 = 2*4 = 8 mod 7 = 1). So 1/2 mod 7 could be interpreted as 4. Similar logic for the others.
I understand what you're saying for 1/2. It makes sense. But how does that follow for numbers like sqrt(-3)?
