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Today, we begin with linear congruences. They represent relationships like `ax ≡ b (mod N)`. Can anyone tell me what this means?
Does it mean that when we divide `ax` by `N`, it leaves the same remainder as when dividing `b`?
Exactly! You’re spot on. The condition states that the difference `ax - b` must be divisible by `N`. Let's explore solutions to this equation.
Are there infinite solutions, unlike regular equations?
Yes, good question! In linear congruences, there can be infinitely many solutions depending on the modulus.
Can we have an example of that?
Sure! For `6x ≡ 4 (mod 10)`, solutions can look like `4 + 10k`, where `k` is any integer.
So, if k is 0, we get 4? And if k is 1, we get 14?
That’s right! The general solutions reflect infinitely many possibilities.
Thus, understanding linear congruences will help us handle various problems in number theory.
Now let's talk about how to solve these linear congruences. What do we do when `gcd(a, N) = 1`?
That's when we can find the multiplicative inverse of `a` modulo `N`!
Correct! By using the Extended Euclidean Algorithm, we determine that inverse. Can anyone outline what happens next?
After finding the inverse, we multiply both sides of the congruence by this inverse, right?
Exactly! This leads us to `x ≡ b*a^(-1) (mod N)`. Remember, in modular arithmetic, we think in terms of integers. What could we conclude after finding this?
We can get the final solution for `x` modulo `N`?
Yes! And for every solution, we can create more by adding multiples of `N`. Great job, everyone!
Now we’ll discuss the Chinese Remainder Theorem. Has anyone heard of it?
Is it the method to solve a system of linear congruences?
Yes, great! The CRT is immensely useful when your moduli are pairwise coprime. Can anyone give a scenario?
If we want to find an unknown `x` that behaves a certain way under different moduli?
Correct! For instance, if given congruences like `x ≡ 2 (mod 3)` and `x ≡ 3 (mod 5)`, we want to find that unique `x`.
And `x` exists within the range of the product of the moduli?
Exactly! Now let's formulate our system. For instance, with three moduli, how do we calculate the overall modulus?
By multiplying all three moduli together, right?
That's it! Then we find special combinations that help us express our solution, leading to a system of results.
Remember, the CRT assures us that the solution is unique modulo the product of the moduli!
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In this section, we explored linear congruences, comparing them to regular algebra, and introduced two primary methods of solving these equations: the Extended Euclidean Algorithm for finding multiplicative inverses and the Chinese Remainder Theorem (CRT) for systems of congruences. Key concepts were illustrated through examples.
In this lecture, we introduced the concept of linear congruences, which is a significant topic in number theory within the field of discrete mathematics. The focus was on elucidating the mathematical foundation for solving these congruences, starting with a basic definition and moving on to two methods that can be used: the Extended Euclidean Algorithm and the Chinese Remainder Theorem (CRT).
ax ≡ b (mod N)
, where we aim to find values of x
such that ax - b
is divisible by N
.
6x ≡ 4 (mod 10)
, solutions can be represented as 4 + 10k
or 9 + 10k
, for integer k
.
gcd(a, N) = 1
, we compute the multiplicative inverse of a
modulo N
. This is vital for simplifying and solving linear congruences.
Overall, this lecture laid important groundwork for understanding linear congruences and their applications, making it essential for further studies in number theory.
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In this lecture, we introduced linear congruences. We will see two methods for solving linear congruences, one using extended Euclid’s algorithm and another one due to the famous Chinese Remainder Theorem or CRT.
The lecture begins with an overview of what linear congruences are and outlines the goal of solving these types of equations. Linear congruences are similar to linear equations but require that we work within modular arithmetic. The speaker mentions that two methods will be covered: the Extended Euclid’s algorithm, which is a traditional method of finding solutions, and the Chinese Remainder Theorem (CRT), which deals with systems of equations.
Think of linear equations like navigating a straight road with clear maps (real numbers) and linear congruences as navigating through a maze (modular arithmetic) where you have to pay attention to the modulus (or walls of the maze) as it defines your path.
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We will be given some a and b and a modulus N and our goal will be to find out x such that ax ≡ b mod N. This means x when divided by N and b when divided by N gives the same remainder.
In a linear congruence, we are tasked to find the value of x such that the equation ax ≡ b (mod N) holds true. This requires that when we calculate ax and b, their remainders when divided by N must be equal. The teacher gives an example with specific numbers to illustrate how multiple values of x can satisfy the availability of solutions and how these solutions can be derived from basic values.
Imagine you are a chef who needs a specific number of ingredients (b) to make a dish, but you only have a certain amount of an ingredient (a) that can be combined in a specific way (mod N) to produce different amounts of the dish. You want to find how many of this ingredient (x) you need to meet your dish's requirement.
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We discussed how we can solve linear congruences using extended Euclid’s algorithm or the Chinese Remainder Theorem (CRT).
The lecture covers two primary methods for solving linear congruences: the Extended Euclid’s algorithm, which uses multiplicative inverses when the greatest common divisor (gcd) of a and N is 1, and the Chinese Remainder Theorem, which applies to systems of linear congruences involving multiple moduli that are co-prime. Each method provides a systematic way to find solutions based on the properties of integers and their relationships in modular arithmetic.
Using the Extended Euclid's method could be likened to a situation where you’re trying to divide a pizza (the total) among friends evenly; if the number of slices is co-prime to the number of friends, you'll end up with a number of slices that fulfills everyone’s appetite uniformly. The CRT can be seen as a strategy for planning events around schedules where the time slots (moduli) are distinct but need to synchronize (find a common time).
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In this lecture, we introduced linear congruences and discussed two methods of solving the system of linear congruences: one using the extended Euclidean algorithm and another one due to the Chinese Remainder Theorem.
In conclusion, the lecture summarized the key points discussed, focusing on the introduction of linear congruences, the techniques to solve them, and the implications of these techniques in broader mathematical contexts. This brings together the ideas and methods introduced throughout the lecture so that students can reflect on how they might apply these methods in different scenarios.
This final point can be related to wrapping up a big project after learning various techniques—like a team reflecting on what they learned about working effectively together (linear congruences) and how they can tackle various problems or challenges in the future (using methods like CRT).
Learn essential terms and foundational ideas that form the basis of the topic.
Key Concepts
Linear Congruences: Represent mathematical equations under modular arithmetic.
Multiplicative Inverse: An essential aspect of solving linear congruences based on the Extended Euclidean Algorithm.
Chinese Remainder Theorem: A method to find solutions for multiple linear congruences with specific conditions.
See how the concepts apply in real-world scenarios to understand their practical implications.
For 6x ≡ 4 (mod 10)
, the solutions include x = 4 + 10k
or x = 9 + 10k
.
For established congruences such as x ≡ 2 (mod 3)
and x ≡ 3 (mod 5)
, one could use the CRT to find a unified solution.
Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.
In a world where numbers play, with mod and congruences in their sway, solutions infinite come our way, with CRT we solve today!
Once, in a village of integers, there were numerically-challenged villagers who couldn't agree on their neighbors. They called for CRT, who made sure every villager found their unique homes in modular harmony!
To remember Linear Congruence: Always Find Modulus, Solve Equation — 'AFMSE' is your guide!
Review key concepts with flashcards.
Review the Definitions for terms.
Term: Linear Congruence
Definition:
An equation of the form ax ≡ b (mod N)
, where a
, b
, and N
are given, and x
is the unknown variable.
Term: Multiplicative Inverse
Definition:
An integer a^(-1)
such that a * a^(-1) ≡ 1 (mod N)
, exists only if gcd(a, N) = 1
.
Term: Chinese Remainder Theorem
Definition:
A theorem providing a unique solution for a system of linear congruences with pairwise coprime moduli.
Term: Extended Euclidean Algorithm
Definition:
An algorithm to compute the greatest common divisor of integers and find the multiplicative inverse.