Finding modular of a fraction

Writing fractions like $\frac{1}{3} \pmod{8}$ is the same as writing $3^{-1}$ which is the inverse of $3$ modulo $8$.

In other words, when you write $\frac{a}{b} \pmod{n}$ you're referring to a number $k$ such that $bk \equiv a \pmod {n}$ but you should pay attention that this fraction is defined if and only if $\gcd(b,n)=1$. In other words, the denominator must be relatively prime to the modulus.

To find what number modulo $n$ this fraction represents, you need to evaluate $b^{-1}$. You can do that by using the Euclidean algorithm to solve the Bézout equation $bx + ny = 1$. The $x$ in this equation will give you $b^{-1}$. If you know the factorization of $n$ you can also use Euler's totient function by noting that $b^{-1} \equiv b^{\varphi(n)-1} \pmod{n}$. After you know what $b^{-1}$ is you will see that $k \equiv a \dot b^{-1} \pmod {n}$.


n ≡ (1/3)  (mod 8)
3n   ≡ 1  (mod 8)
try n= 1,2,3
  when n=1 3 mod 8 is zero
  when n=2, 6 mod 8 is zero
  when n=3, 9 mod 8 is 1, (this is our answer)

So answer is 3

This method can be used for any fractions Another example: 2/5 mod 3

 5n mod 3 = 2
 try group of {0, 1, 2} which satisfy the above,

result n=1


The important property of $1/3$ is that $1/3 \cdot 3 = 1$. So, what number, when multiplied by $3$, is $1$ mod $8$?

Showing when $x^{-1} \pmod n$ exists and that it is unique is not too terrible either

EDIT: I didn't see "finding it". Check out the Extended Euclidian algorithm.


Calculating modulo 8, we have $\frac{1}{3} = \frac{3}{9} = \frac{3}{1} = 3$.