Finding a number that can divide evenly into another number?

  • Thread starter jim1174
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In summary, when looking for a number that can divide evenly into two given numbers, there are some methods that can make the process easier. These include checking if the numbers are even, divisible by 5 or the sum of their digits is divisible by 3. This process is also known as the Euclidean algorithm. It is important to note that for fractions, there is no greatest common denominator, but rather a least common denominator.
  • #1
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when you have two numbers and you need find a number can can divide evenly into both is there an easy method to do this
 
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  • #3
jim1174 said:
when you have two numbers and you need find a number can can divide evenly into both is there an easy method to do this
There are some rules which can lessen the amount of work involved:
1. Even numbers are all evenly divisible by 2.
2. Numbers ending in 0 or 5 are also divisible by 5 or multiples of 5.
3. If the sum of the digits in a number can be divided evenly by 3, then the original number can also be divided by 3. For example, if n = 522, then 5 + 2 + 2 = 9, which is divisible by 3 evenly; therefore 522 is also evenly divisible by 3. (522/3 = 174)
 
  • #5
jedishrfu said:
Are you thinking of the greatest common denominator?
Since there are no fractions involved here, you must mean "greatest common divisor". In fact there is no "greatest common denominator" for a set of fractions- there is the "least common denominator" which is a number into which all the denominators will divide.
 
  • #6
HallsofIvy said:
Since there are no fractions involved here, you must mean "greatest common divisor". In fact there is no "greatest common denominator" for a set of fractions- there is the "least common denominator" which is a number into which all the denominators will divide.

Yes, you are right. I was thinking GCD and my memory brought up the wrong term. Thanks for the correction. I should have added a reference and then I would have caught my mistake.
 

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