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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving properties of the greatest common divisor (gcd) for a nonzero integer \( a \). Participants are examining specific cases, such as \( \text{gcd}(a, 0) \), \( \text{gcd}(a, a) \), and \( \text{gcd}(a, 1) \), and their relationships to the absolute value of \( a \).

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to establish the validity of various proofs regarding the gcd properties. Some question whether the definitions or properties being used are correctly applied. Others seek clarification on the definition of gcd itself.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing proofs and questioning the assumptions behind them. Some have pointed out potential issues in the reasoning, particularly regarding the definition of gcd and its implications.

Contextual Notes

There is a focus on ensuring that the proofs adhere strictly to the definitions of gcd, with participants expressing uncertainty about certain steps and the need for clarification on foundational concepts.

Math100
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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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