Number Theory Vocabulary

noun a numerical symbol or character used to represent a number

adjective relating to fingers or toes

• The number 7 is a single digit.
• I need to remember the last digit of my phone number.
• She's always on her phone, constantly tapping away with her digits.
• His skill with numbers is so sharp, it's like he has digits for brains.

noun a type of polynomial where the leading coefficient is equal to 1

adjective describing the type of polynomial with a leading coefficient of 1

• The monic polynomial of degree n is a polynomial with leading coefficient 1.
• A monic polynomial is just a polynomial where the first term is 1.
• Dude, monic polynomials are like the cool kids of the polynomial world.
• Think of a monic polynomial as the captain of the polynomial team, leading the way with a coefficient of 1.

noun a number that has more than two factors

adjective describing the number as being composite

• A composite number is a positive integer that has more than two distinct positive divisors.
• A composite number is any number that can be divided by numbers other than 1 and itself.
• Yo, a composite number is like a number that ain't prime, you feel me?
• In a group of friends, a composite number is like the friend who always hangs out with different people and has many connections.

noun A set of three positive integers a, b, and c, such that a^2 + b^2 = c^2, representing the sides of a right triangle

adjective Describing a set of three integers that satisfy the Pythagorean theorem

• A Pythagorean triple consists of three positive integers a, b, and c, such that a^2 + b^2 = c^2.
• Hey, did you know that 3, 4, 5 is a Pythagorean triple?
• Yo, check out this sick Pythagorean triple I just found: 5, 12, 13!
• In life, sometimes finding the right balance is like discovering a Pythagorean triple - everything just fits together perfectly.

adjective referring to a mathematical structure in which a certain operation is commutative

• The group is abelian if its group operation is commutative.
• An abelian group is one where the order of operations doesn't matter.
• Abelian groups are like the 'good boys' of group theory because they always follow the commutative rule.
• In a world of chaotic group operations, abelian groups stand out as the calm and orderly ones.