Western Governors University (WGU) ICSC2100 C949 Data Structures and Algorithms I Practice Exam

The output of a modulo operation is defined as the remainder left after dividing one number by another. When you perform a modulo operation, you are specifically interested in what is left over once you divide the first number by the second. For example, in the expression 10 modulo 3, the division of 10 by 3 results in a quotient of 3 and a remainder of 1. Thus, 10 mod 3 equals 1, which is the remainder. This characteristic is foundational in programming and mathematics for determining cyclic behavior, balanced distributions, and various applications like hashing, looping, and periodic calculations.

The other options involve different mathematical operations. The result of multiplication refers to combining two numbers to get a product, the sum of two numbers involves adding them together, and the absolute difference measures the distance between two numerical values without considering their order. This illustrates how each option represents distinct mathematical concepts, while the correct choice precisely captures the essence of the modulo operation.