| − | In [[algebra]], the '''characteristic''' of a [[ring (mathematics)|ring]] ''R'' is the least [[natural number]] ''n'' such that, for all ''r'' in ''R'', ''n'' * ''r'' = 0. If no such natural number exists, the ring has characteristic 0. The characteristic of a [[field_(mathematics)|field]] must be either 0 or a [[prime number]]. | + | In [[algebra]], the '''characteristic''' of a [[ring (mathematics)|ring]] ''R'' is the least [[natural number]] ''n'' such that, for all ''r'' in ''R'', ''n'' * ''r'' = 0. If no such natural number exists, the ring has characteristic 0. The characteristic of a [[field (mathematics)|field]] must be either 0 or a [[prime number]]. |