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What does it mean when the Euclidean algorithm gives a gcd of 1?

When the Euclidean algorithm yields a greatest common divisor of 1, it means the two input numbers are relatively prime (or coprime). This indicates that they share no common positive integer divisors other than 1. In the example, gcd⁡(5295,4321)=1\gcd(5295, 4321) = 1, so 5295 and 4321 are relatively prime.

Conditions

  • The inputs are natural numbers.
  • The Euclidean algorithm terminates with a last nonzero remainder of 1.

Reasoning, step by step

  1. Run the Euclidean algorithm on the two numbers.
  2. Observe that the last nonzero remainder is 1.
  3. Conclude that the greatest common divisor is 1.
  4. Interpret this result as the numbers being relatively prime.

Example

The instructor concludes gcd⁡(5295,4321)=1\gcd(5295, 4321) = 1 and states that the two numbers are relatively prime.

Common misconceptions

  • Believing that relatively prime numbers must both be prime; they do not (e.g., 8 and 9 are relatively prime but neither is prime).
  • Thinking that a gcd of 1 means the numbers have no divisors at all; they only share the divisor 1.

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