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Why does a positive remainder smaller than d contradict the minimality of d in the proof of Bezout's identity?

It contradicts minimality because the remainder can be expressed as a linear combination of a and b. If the remainder is positive and smaller than d, it belongs to the set of positive linear combinations, violating the definition of d as the smallest such value.

Conditions

  • d is defined as the least positive integer linear combination of a and b.
  • The remainder r is obtained by dividing a or b by d.
  • r is positive and r<dr < d.

Reasoning, step by step

  1. Assume there is a positive remainder r when dividing a or b by d.
  2. Express r as a linear combination of a and b using the division algorithm and the definition of d.
  3. Observe that r is positive and strictly smaller than d.
  4. Recognize that r therefore belongs to the set of positive linear combinations of a and b.
  5. Conclude that this contradicts the premise that d is the smallest element in that set.

Example

The script states: 'Divide a or b by d. A positive remainder smaller than d would again be a positive linear combination, contradicting minimality.'

Common misconceptions

  • Thinking that the remainder is not a linear combination of a and b.
  • Believing that a remainder can be equal to d.
  • Confusing the contradiction with the case where the remainder is zero.

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