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:
“Although the primitive in art may be both interesting and impressive, as portrayed in American fiction it is conspicuous for dullness alone. Drab persons living drab lives, observed by drab minds and reported in drab writing ...”
—Ellen Glasgow (1873–1945)
“Black creeps from root to root,
each leaf
cuts another leaf on the grass,
shadow seeks shadow,
then both leaf
and leaf-shadow are lost.”
—Hilda Doolittle (1886–1961)