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What is the definition of the greatest common divisor gcd⁡(a,b)\gcd(a,b)?

The greatest common divisor gcd⁡(a,b)\gcd(a,b) is the maximum positive integer that divides both aa and bb. Equivalently, a positive integer cc is the greatest common divisor if it divides both aa and bb, and every common positive divisor of aa and bb also divides cc. The inputs aa and bb must not both be zero.

Conditions

  • Integers aa and bb are not both zero.
  • cc is a positive integer dividing both aa and bb.

Reasoning, step by step

  1. Identify the common positive divisors of aa and bb.
  2. Find the maximum value among these common divisors.
  3. Verify that any other common divisor divides this maximum value.

Example

The video defines gcd⁡(a,b)=max⁡{k∣k∣a and k∣b}\gcd(a,b) = \max\{k \mid k|a \text{ and } k|b\}, emphasizing that the greatest common divisor is the largest positive integer dividing both inputs.

Common misconceptions

  • Believing that any common divisor is the greatest common divisor.
  • Assuming the greatest common divisor can be negative or zero.

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