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In the Euclidean algorithm, how do you form the next division line from the previous one?

To form the next division line, you take the divisor from the previous line and make it the dividend of the new line. Then, you take the remainder from the previous line and make it the divisor of the new line. You then perform the division to find the new quotient and remainder.

Conditions

  • You have just completed a division step in the Euclidean algorithm.
  • The previous remainder is not 0.

Reasoning, step by step

  1. Identify the previous divisor and previous remainder.
  2. Set the new dividend equal to the previous divisor.
  3. Set the new divisor equal to the previous remainder.
  4. Divide the new dividend by the new divisor to get the new quotient and remainder.
  5. Write the equation: new dividend = new divisor * new quotient + new remainder.

Example

After writing 5295=1⋅4321+9745295 = 1 \cdot 4321 + 974, the instructor draws arrows to show 4321 moving down to become the new dividend, and 974 moving down to become the new divisor, resulting in 4321=4⋅974+4254321 = 4 \cdot 974 + 425.

Common misconceptions

  • Using the previous quotient as the new divisor.
  • Keeping the previous dividend as the new dividend.
  • Forgetting to swap the positions of the divisor and remainder.

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