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Why can 10 be written as -2 modulo 12?

Because adding the modulus 12 to -2 gives 10 (−2+12=10-2 + 12 = 10). This means -2 and 10 represent the same residue class modulo 12.

Conditions

  • Work modulo 12.
  • Allow negative representatives.

Reasoning, step by step

  1. Start with the negative representative -2.
  2. Add the modulus 12 to it.
  3. Calculate the sum: −2+12=10-2 + 12 = 10.
  4. Conclude that 10 and -2 are equivalent modulo 12.

Example

The speaker says, “Whenever you have a negative number mod, then what I told you, I asked you to simply add these two numbers… So minus two plus twelve is ten.” The slide shows 10≡−2(mod12)10 \equiv -2 \pmod{12}.

Common misconceptions

  • Thinking the remainder must always be positive.
  • Assuming a negative number on the right side makes the congruence invalid.

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