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How do the previous divisor and remainder become the inputs to the next Euclidean division?

In the Euclidean algorithm, the previous divisor becomes the new dividend (placed on the left side of the equation), and the previous remainder becomes the new divisor (placed on the right side). This recursive shift carries the numbers forward so that each step divides the former divisor by the former remainder, continuing until a remainder of zero is reached.

Conditions

  • The algorithm is applied to positive integers.
  • The previous remainder is not zero.
  • The process follows the standard division-with-remainder format a=b⋅q+ra = b \cdot q + r.

Reasoning, step by step

  1. Complete a division step, such as 3768=1701⋅2+3663768 = 1701 \cdot 2 + 366.
  2. Take the previous divisor (1701) and move it to the left-hand side of the next equation.
  3. Take the previous remainder (366) and move it to the divisor position in the next equation.
  4. Perform the new division: 1701=366⋅4+2371701 = 366 \cdot 4 + 237.
  5. Repeat this shift pattern for subsequent steps.

Example

The board shows 3768=1701×2+3663768 = 1701 \times 2 + 366, then 1701=366×4+2371701 = 366 \times 4 + 237. The narration describes carrying each divisor and remainder into the next division.

Common misconceptions

  • Keeping the original dividend as the new dividend.
  • Using the quotient as the new divisor.
  • Believing the remainder stays in the same position in the next equation.

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