In the divisibility notation k|a, which side is the divisor and which is the dividend?

Conditions

• Used for divisibility relations between integers.

Reasoning, step by step

1. Identify the symbol '|'.
2. Note that the term on the left is the divisor.
3. Note that the term on the right is the dividend.
4. Recall the equivalent equation $a = mk$.

Example

The video explicitly explains that $k|a$ is equivalent to $a = mk$, emphasizing that the left term is the divisor and the right term is the dividend.

Common misconceptions

• Reversing the roles of the left and right sides, thinking $a$ divides $k$.
• Confusing the divisibility symbol with the absolute value symbol.

Watch the explanation

Explore next

• What is the definition of the greatest common divisor $\gcd(a,b)$?
• How does the Euclidean algorithm compute a greatest common divisor?