Can anyone please review/verify this proof of a nonzero integer a?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the proof of properties related to the greatest common divisor (GCD) of a nonzero integer \( a \). It establishes that \( \text{gcd}(a, 0) = |a| \), \( \text{gcd}(a, a) = |a| \), and \( \text{gcd}(a, 1) = 1 \). The proof is validated through definitions and properties of GCD, emphasizing that \( d \) must be the largest divisor of \( a \) when \( d \) divides both \( a \) and 0. A critical point raised is the necessity to address why \( \text{gcd}(a, 0) \) cannot exceed \( |a| \).

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Homework Statement
For a nonzero integer a, show that gcd(a, 0)=abs(a), gcd(a, a)=abs(a), and gcd(a, 1)=1.
Relevant Equations
None.
Proof: First, we will show that gcd(a, 0)=abs(a).
Suppose a is a nonzero integer such that a##\neq##0.
Note that gcd(a, 0)##\le##abs(a) by definition of the greatest common divisor.
Since abs(a) divides both a and 0,
we have that gcd(a, 0)=abs(a).
Therefore, for a nonzero integer a,
we have shown that gcd(a, 0)=abs(a).
Next, we will show that gcd(a, a)=abs(a).
Suppose a is a nonzero integer such that a##\neq##0.
Note that gcd(a, a)##\le##abs(a) by definition of the greatest common divisor.
Since abs(a) divides a, we have that gcd(a, a)=abs(a).
Therefore, for a nonzero integer a,
we have shown that gcd(a, a)=abs(a).
Finally, we will show that gcd(a, 1)=1.
Suppose a is a nonzero integer such that a##\neq##0.
Note that gcd(a, 1)##\le##1 by definition of the greatest common divisor.
Since 1 divides both a and 1,
we have that gcd(a, 1)=1.
Therefore, for a nonzero integer a,
we have shown that gcd(a, 1)=1.
 
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Math100 said:
Next, we will show that gcd(a, a)=abs(a).
Suppose a is a nonzero integer such that a##\neq##0.
Note that gcd(a, a)##\le##abs(a) by definition of the greatest common divisor.

Are you sure you are using the definition of GCD there and not some basic property that can be proved from the definition?
 
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PeroK said:
Are you sure you are using the definition of GCD there and not some basic property that can be proved from the definition?
No, I am not sure. What's the definition of GCD then?
 
First, we will show that gcd(a, 0)=abs(a).
Suppose gcd(a, 0)=d, where d is an integer and a is a nonzero integer.
Note that d divides both a and 0.
Since each nonzero integer divides 0,
it follows that d is the largest divisor of a.
Thus, we have that gcd(a, 0)=abs(a).

Is this right for the first subproof of this problem?
 
Math100 said:
First, we will show that gcd(a, 0)=abs(a).
Suppose gcd(a, 0)=d, where d is an integer and a is a nonzero integer.
Note that d divides both a and 0.
Since each nonzero integer divides 0,
it follows that d is the largest divisor of a.
Thus, we have that gcd(a, 0)=abs(a).

Is this right for the first subproof of this problem?
I don't see that you tackle the only real issue here which is why we can't have ##gcd(a, 0) > |a|##.
 

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