Primitive Element

In mathematics, the term primitive element can mean:

  • Primitive root modulo n, in number theory
  • Primitive element (field theory), an element that generates a given field extension
  • Primitive element (finite field), an element that generates the multiplicative group of a finite field
  • in a Hopf algebra, an element X on which the comultiplication Δ has the value Δ(X) = X⊗1 + 1⊗X
  • in a free group, an element of a free generating set

Famous quotes containing the words primitive and/or element:

    “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)

    “The element running through entire nature, which we popularly call Fate, is known to us as limitation. Whatever limits us, we call Fate.”
    —Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)