Why does the equation ax+by=1 serve as a certificate of coprimality for integers a and b?
Conditions
- a and b are integers.
- There exist integers x and y such that ax+by=1.
Reasoning, step by step
- Assume there are integers x and y such that ax+by=1.
- Let g be a common divisor of a and b.
- Since g divides a and b, g must divide the linear combination ax+by.
- Therefore, g divides 1.
- Conclude that the greatest common divisor of a and b is 1, meaning they are coprime.
Example
The script states: 'If integer coefficients give ax+by=1, every common divisor divides 1, so gcd(a,b)=1.'
Common misconceptions
- Thinking that ax+by=1 implies a and b are prime numbers.
- Believing that x and y must be positive integers.
- Confusing coprimality with equality ().
Watch the explanation
Connected concepts
Explore next
Related questions
The greatest common divisor of 10 and 15 is 5. This is determined by listing the common positive divisors of both numbers, which are 1 and 5, and selecting the largest one.
Conditions: The inputs are the positive integers 10 and 15.; The method used is listing all common positive divisors.
The Euclidean algorithm keeps the GCD by repeatedly applying the step for nonnegative and positive . This replaces the pair with the divisor and the remainder, preserving the greatest common divisor.
Conditions: is a nonnegative integer.; is a positive integer.; The operation computes the remainder of divided by .
Yes, in this context, "greatest common factor" is being used for what is more commonly called the greatest common divisor in many modern texts. The mathematical procedure shown is the same subtraction-based Euclidean algorithm.
Conditions: Used informally in the explanation of why the algorithm works.
To find the GCF by listing factors, list all positive factors of the first number, list all positive factors of the second number, identify the factors that appear in both lists, and select the largest number from the common factors.
Conditions: The inputs are positive integers.; Listing is practical for the small examples; it is not asserted to be the fastest method.
To start the Euclidean algorithm for , you write the larger number as the smaller number multiplied by an unknown quotient plus an unknown remainder. Specifically, you set up the division equation .
Conditions: The inputs are positive integers.; The larger number is placed on the left-hand side of the equation.; The quotient is an integer and the remainder satisfies .
Answers are generated from source material and independently checked. Consult the original video or creator if something is unclear.