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:
“This is a very primitive country.”
—James Poe (1921–1980)
“In dark places and dungeons the preacher’s words might perhaps strike root and grow, but not in broad daylight in any part of the world that I know.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)