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:
“Good music is very close to primitive language.”
—Denis Diderot (1713–1784)
“Not marble nor the gilded monuments
Of princes shall outlive this powerful rime;
But you shall shine more bright in these contents
Than unswept stone, besmeared with sluttish time.
When wasteful war shall statues overturn,
And broils root out the work of masonry,
Nor Mars his sword nor war’s quick fire shall burn
The living record of your memory.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)