In mathematics, a primitive root may mean either
- a primitive root modulo n in modular arithmetic, or
- a primitive nth root of unity amongst the solutions of xn = 1 in a field
Famous quotes containing the words primitive and/or root:
“Deep down, the US, with its space, its technological refinement, its bluff good conscience, even in those spaces which it opens up for simulation, is the only remaining primitive society.”
—Jean Baudrillard (b. 1929)
“To those who despair of everything reason cannot provide a faith, but only passion, and in this case it must be the same passion that lay at the root of the despair, namely humiliation and hatred.”
—Albert Camus (1913–1960)