5 ms·
In a finite numeric field, then, negatives are the same as positives. (For example, in Z mod 5, you get 2 + 3 = 0 and, sure, 2 + (-2) = 0, too.)
by Koshkin 7y ago
In a finite numeric field, then, negatives are the same as positives. (For example, in Z mod 5, you get 2 + 3 = 0 and, sure, 2 + (-2) = 0, too.)
- thaumasiotes 7y agoYes? In Z mod 5 using your notation, you have that 3 = -2. It doesn't make sense to distinguish two classes of "negative" and "positive" numbers in that case, but it still makes sense to talk about -2.
- Koshkin 7y agoThat was precisely the original point - the distinction only makes sense in an ordered set; otherwise, calling -2 "negative" may be devoid of any meaning (e.g. when -2 = 3).