Math Problem Statement

why 6 modulo 7 is -1

Solution

The expression "6 modulo 7" is often interpreted with the remainder being non-negative in most mathematical contexts, which yields a result of 66 because:

6÷7=0with a remainder of6.6 \div 7 = 0 \quad \text{with a remainder of} \quad 6.

Thus, in the standard non-negative modulo operation, we get:

6mod7=6.6 \mod 7 = 6.

However, if we consider the modulo operation in a way that can yield a negative result, we can say:

61(mod7).6 \equiv -1 \pmod{7}.

This is because 66 and 1-1 differ by a multiple of 77 (specifically, 6(1)=76 - (-1) = 7), which means they are congruent modulo 7. In modular arithmetic, two numbers aa and bb are congruent modulo nn if aba - b is a multiple of nn. So:

61(mod7).6 \equiv -1 \pmod{7}.

In summary:

  • 6mod7=66 \mod 7 = 6 if we restrict to non-negative remainders.
  • 61(mod7)6 \equiv -1 \pmod{7} when considering congruences, meaning 66 behaves as 1-1 under modulo 77.

Would you like further examples or a breakdown of modular arithmetic rules?

Here are 5 questions to expand your understanding:

  1. What is the result of 2mod7-2 \mod 7?
  2. How do positive and negative results in modular arithmetic affect calculations?
  3. What are common uses of modular arithmetic in real-life applications?
  4. Can you determine if 152(mod17)15 \equiv -2 \pmod{17} holds true?
  5. What is the relationship between modular congruence and division?

Tip: In modular arithmetic, think of congruent numbers as belonging to the same "class" or group within a repeating cycle of integers.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Modulo operation
Modular arithmetic
Congruence relation

Formulas

a ≡ b (mod n)

Theorems

Congruence theorem
Modulo operation properties

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10