Math Path
MATH 01352 · Theory of Numbers

MATH 01352 · Divisibility & primes

gcd / Euclidean algorithm

Definition

gcd(a,b) is the largest positive integer dividing both. Euclidean algorithm: gcd(a,b)=gcd(b,a mod b). Extended form finds Bézout coefficients: gcd=as+bt.

Read this

If gcd(a,b)=1, a and b are coprime — inverses mod n exist when gcd(a,n)=1.

Back-substitution or extended EA produces s,t.

gcd divides any integer linear combination of a and b.

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Try this

Attempt each problem first, then open the worked solution.

  1. 1.Run EA on (252,198) and find Bézout coefficients.