modular arithmetic

noun

Any system of arithmetic for integers which, for some given positive integer n, is equivalent to the set of integers being mapped onto the finite set {0, ... n} according to congruence modulo n, and in which addition and multiplication are defined consistently with the results of ordinary arithmetic being so mapped.

Meanings

nounmodular arithmetic (countable and uncountable, plural modular arithmetics)

plural modular arithmetics

  1. countableuncountablemathematicsAny system of arithmetic for integers which, for some given positive integer n, is equivalent to the set of integers being mapped onto the finite set {0, ... n} according to congruence modulo n, and in which addition and multiplication are defined consistently with the results of ordinary arithmetic being so mapped.

    Hence for prime moduli, modular arithmetic is very similar to regular rational arithmetic with all four operations defined.

    1997, Robert E. Jamison, “Rhythm and Pattern: Discrete Mathematics with an Artistic Connection for Elementary School Teachers”, in Joseph G. Rosenstein, Deborah S. Franzblau, Fred S. Roberts, editors, Discrete Mathematics in the Schools, American Mathematical Society, page 215
    2 more examples

    The reader now has examined, in some detail, several specific modular arithmetics, namely, #92;mathbb#123;Z#125;#95;2,#92;mathbb#123;Z#125;#95;5,#92;mathbb#123;Z#125;#95;6,#92;mathbb#123;Z#125;#95;7,#92;mathbb#123;Z#125;#95;8 and #92;mathbb#123;Z#125;#95;9.

    1969, Joseph Landin, An Introduction to Algebraic Structures, Dover, page 153

    In this section we use two historical ciphers to introduce modular arithmetic with integers. Even though the historical ciphers are no longer relevant, modular arithmetic is extremely important in modern cryptography, especially for asymmetric algorithms.

    2010, Christof Paar, Jan Pelzl, Understanding Cryptography: A Textbook for Students and Practitioners, Springer, page 13

    Synonyms: clock arithmetic

Synonyms & antonyms

nounAny system of arithmetic for integers which, for some given positive integer n, is equivalent to the set of integers being mapped onto the finite set {0, ... n} according to congruence modulo n, and in which addition and multiplication are defined consistently with the results of ordinary arithmetic being so mapped.

Translations

Finnish modulaariaritmetiikka, modulaarinen aritmetiikka
  • modulaariaritmetiikkasystem of finite arithmetic
  • modulaarinen aritmetiikkasystem of finite arithmetic
Italian aritmetica modulare, aritmetica dell'orologio
  • aritmetica modularesystem of finite arithmetic
  • aritmetica dell'orologiosystem of finite arithmetic
Cite this entry
APA

modular arithmetic. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/modular%20arithmetic

MLA

“modular arithmetic.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/modular%20arithmetic. Accessed November 3, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “modular arithmetic,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/modular%20arithmetic.

Source: modular arithmetic on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.