You are no doubt familiar with solving linear and quadratic equations with real numbers. However, in much the same way as learning Latin, French, or Spanish gives the language learner a better appreciation of English, so the careful examination of solution techniques in finite number systems adds depth to the mathematics students’ understanding of equation solving.
Precision is key when solving linear and quadratic equations in finite number systems where the only available digits are the remainders after dividing by 6 or 7. Discover why in Z7, adding 3 and 4 results in 0, and why the product of 3 and 4 is 5?