Why absolute value of k and m in otp Unit1.14 , 1.15. 1.16?

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The probability section where Dave shows why the One Time Pad is considered a "perfect" cipher leaves me with a question.
Why is it that we refer to the absolute value of k and the absolute value of m ? Is there a case where m or k might be negative? I ask because if my assumptions about the formula are incorrect, I should probably figure out now instead of getting seriously stuck down the road.

asked 21 Apr '12, 18:11

Susan%20Straub's gravatar image

Susan Straub
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|K| is the number of possible keys. |M| is the number of possible messages.

K and M are called the key space and the message space respectively, and |K| and |M| is the size of these spaces.

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answered 21 Apr '12, 18:22

Zachary%20Becker's gravatar image

Zachary Becker
156●5

Thank you. I had a feeling I was miss-understanding something there.

(21 Apr '12, 18:31) Susan Straub Susan%20Straub's gravatar image
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Asked: 21 Apr '12, 18:11

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Last updated: 21 Apr '12, 18:31

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