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2.2 Elliptic Curve Addition: An Algebraic Approach

Although the previous geometric descriptions of elliptic curves provides an excellent method of illustrating elliptic curve arithmetic, it is not a practical way to implement arithmetic computations. Algebraic formulae are constructed to efficiently compute the geometric arithmetic.

2.2.1 Adding distinct points P and Q

When P = (xP,yP) and Q = (xQ,yQ) are not negative of each other,

P + Q = R where

s = (yP - yQ) / (xP - xQ)

xR = s2 - xP - xQ and yR = -yP + s(xP - xR)

Note that s is the slope of the line through P and Q.

2.2.2 Doubling the point P

When yP is not 0,

2P = R where

s = (3xP2 + a) / (2yP )

xR = s2 - 2xP and yR = -yP + s(xP - xR)

Recall that a is one of the parameters chosen with the elliptic curve and that s is the tangent on the point P.

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