Fraction reduction, euclid's algorithm

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The discussion focuses on reducing the fraction 943578/1978935 using Euclid's algorithm to find the greatest common divisor (gcd). The calculations reveal that the gcd is 3, allowing the fraction to be reduced to 314526/659645. There is uncertainty about whether this reduced fraction can be simplified further. Participants emphasize the utility of Euclid's algorithm for simplifying calculations without a calculator. The conversation highlights the importance of confirming that the resulting fraction is in its lowest terms.
rayman123
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Homework Statement


reduce the fraction \frac{943578}{1978935} to its lowest terms using Euclid's algorithm

The Attempt at a Solution


I start with finding the gcd of these two numbers using E.algorithm

1978935=943578*2+91779
942578=91779*10+25788
91779=25788*3+14415
25788=14415*1+11373
14415=11373*1+3042
11373=3042*3+2247
3042=2247*1+795
2247=795*2+657
795=657*1+138
657=138*4+105
138=105*1+33
105=33*3+6
33=6*5+3
6=2*3+0
so gcd(1978935,942578)=3
but here I am somehow unable to use it to reduce the fraction. Please help
 
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Divide both numerator and denominator by that "greatest common divisor".
 
I am not sure if this is the way we are supposed to do it...Euclid's algorithm is to help to make the calculations easier, without calculator no one can do such divisions...
\frac{942578}{1978935}=\frac{314526}{659645}
but how can we be sure that this is not further reducible?
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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