2 ms·
In some settings, "repeated addition" is the only sensible way to think of multiplication. Such as multiplying an elliptic curve point with a scalar.
by tromp 6y ago
In some settings, "repeated addition" is the only sensible way to think of multiplication. Such as multiplying an elliptic curve point with a scalar.
- sumtechguy 6y agoMultiplication is a shorthand for 'repeated addition'. Much like power is short hand for 'repeated multiplication'. Even with imaginary numbers. You can create an in infinite series of additions that looks a lot like the imaginary number. The argument they are making is kind of strange. But not 'wrong' per se. If you mix 2 types of number systems you get a different number system out of it. It is a similar argument I make about fractions. It is basically physically impossible to have a fraction of some things. If I have a car and divide it in half. I no longer have a car. I have two of something else. They are clearly not a car because they can not act like a car anymore.