The question is very clear that we are dealing with classes. Does that change anything in this case? This was an unsolved example for class and I feel it's unusual that I don't know how to begin.
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How is the notation $[a]\equiv[b]\pmod n$ defined? Normally one would write either $a\equiv b\pmod n$ or $[a]=[b]$. Unless a definition of $[a]\equiv[b]\pmod n$ has been given, I’d regard the notation in the title as at an error on the part of the person who wrote up the question.
Brian M. Scott
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Thank you, there was no definition, just my confusion. – grayQuant Feb 15 '13 at 00:58
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@grayQuant: That’s what I was afraid of. In that case I’d treat it as if it were written without the square brackets. If it’s something that’s to be handed in, I’d explain why I was doing so. – Brian M. Scott Feb 15 '13 at 00:59
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Ethan I do write in Tex, there was no need. – grayQuant Feb 15 '13 at 01:01
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@grayQuant My bad, sorry. – Ethan Splaver Feb 15 '13 at 01:02
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I should have done a better job explaining, my confusion is why [] were used, I assumed classes. The problem was presented to me in that way without further explanation. @BrianM.Scott – grayQuant just now edit – grayQuant Feb 15 '13 at 01:04
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@grayQuant: Yes, I understood that. My reaction is as I said: whoever wrote up the question either was confused or had a mental hiccup. – Brian M. Scott Feb 15 '13 at 01:05
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And I’d really like to know what the downvoter was thinking; I’d be happy to improve the answer if it’s not clear enough. – Brian M. Scott Feb 15 '13 at 01:07
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Why the downvote? – Julien Feb 15 '13 at 01:07
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Yes, I'd like to know too, why the downvote? – amWhy Feb 15 '13 at 01:07
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Why was an answer deleted? The poster made a good assumption... that the notation could be ignored. – grayQuant Feb 15 '13 at 01:09
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@grayQuant: Probably because it was pointed out that that answer didn’t address the question that you actually asked; it simply took for granted that the notation was a mistake and worked the problem on that assumption. – Brian M. Scott Feb 15 '13 at 01:12