In number theory, for a given prime number p, the p-adic order or additive p-adic valuation of a number n is the highest exponent ν such that pν divides n. It is commonly abbreviated νp(n). The most important application of the p-adic order is in constructing the field of p-adic numbers. It is also applied toward various more elementary topics, such as the distinction between singly and doubly even numbers.