modular arithmetic

Noun

modular arithmetic (countable and uncountable, plural modular arithmetics)

1. 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.
   • 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