Modular Arithmetic

Learn how to calculate remainders and visualize mod using circles and clocks.

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➗ Understanding Modulus

The modulus operation finds the remainder when one number is divided by another. If A is the dividend and B is the divisor, then A mod B = R, where R is the remainder.

Example: 8 mod 4 = 0 because 8 divided by 4 is exactly 2 with no remainder.

🕒 Modulo on a Clock

Imagine counting around a circle with numbers 0 to B-1. To find A mod B, start at 0 and step clockwise A times. The number you land on is the result.

Example: 5 mod 3 = 2. Count 5 steps clockwise around a circle marked 0,1,2.

Note: If A is negative, you count counter-clockwise.

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🧠 Quick Quiz: Modular Arithmetic

1. What does the modulus operator return?


2. What is the result of 7 mod 3?


3. What is the value of 12 mod 4?


4. How can you visualize modular arithmetic?


5. What happens in modular arithmetic when you reach the modulus?


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