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How does the Euclidean algorithm compute the greatest common divisor of two integers by repeated long division?

The Euclidean algorithm finds the greatest common divisor (GCD) of two integers without needing to factor them. The process involves repeatedly performing long division: divide the larger number by the smaller number, then divide the previous divisor by the remainder, and continue this process. When the remainder becomes zero, the last non-zero remainder is the GCD.

Conditions

  • Applies to two integers.
  • Requires repeated long division.
  • Stops when the remainder is zero.

Reasoning, step by step

  1. Start with two integers.
  2. Divide the larger number by the smaller number to get a quotient and a remainder.
  3. Replace the larger number with the smaller number, and the smaller number with the remainder.
  4. Repeat the division process until the remainder is zero.
  5. Identify the last non-zero remainder as the greatest common divisor.

Example

The visual example from 00:18 to 00:27 shows the steps of dividing 104 by 84, then 84 by 20, and finally 20 by 4 to reach a remainder of 0.

Common misconceptions

  • To find the greatest common divisor of two numbers, you must first find their prime factorizations.

Watch the explanation

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