GCD Proof Check: 2 Problems Involving GCDs in Z

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around two proofs involving the greatest common divisor (gcd) in the context of integers. The original poster presents two separate problems related to properties of gcds, seeking verification of their proofs.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to prove that the gcd of two fractions is 1 and questions how to proceed after establishing certain relationships. They also explore the implications of divisibility in their second problem regarding the gcd of a sum and one of its components.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the proofs, questioning assumptions and reasoning. Some participants have provided insights into the implications of divisibility and have pointed out potential mistakes in reasoning, prompting further exploration of the arguments presented.

Contextual Notes

There is an emphasis on the original poster's inexperience with proofs, which may influence their approach and understanding of the concepts involved. The discussion includes attempts to clarify definitions and properties related to gcds without reaching a definitive conclusion.

Zhalfirin88
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I was doing a couple proofs (since I'm new to them) involving gcds and I just would like you guys to check them to see if I actually proved anything. There are 2 separate problems here.

For both problems, a,b,c are in Z with a and b not both zero.

PROBLEM 1

Homework Statement


Prove [tex](\frac{a}{(a,b)}, \frac{b}{(a,b)}) = 1[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


With this proof I'm stuck. Let g = (a,b), thus g|a and g|b where a = lg and b = jg. Then, [tex](\frac{a}{(a,b)}, \frac{b}{(a,b)})[/tex] becomes [tex](\frac{lg}{g}, \frac{jg}{g})[/tex] which becomes [tex](l , j) = 1.[/tex]

And I don't know where to go from there.


PROBLEM 2

Homework Statement


[tex](a, b) = (a + cb, b)[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


Let (a, b) = d and (a + cb, b) = g, with d =/= g. Thus d|a and d|b, where a = ld and b = jd. Also g|a+cb and g|b, where b = gn. Since jd = b = gn, jd = gn, and since d|b and g|b, g=d, which is a contradiction, so (a,b) = (a+cb, b).
 
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Zhalfirin88 said:
I was doing a couple proofs (since I'm new to them) involving gcds and I just would like you guys to check them to see if I actually proved anything. There are 2 separate problems here.

For both problems, a,b,c are in Z with a and b not both zero.

PROBLEM 1

Homework Statement


Prove [tex](\frac{a}{(a,b)}, \frac{b}{(a,b)}) = 1[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


With this proof I'm stuck. Let g = (a,b), thus g|a and g|b where a = lg and b = jg. Then, [tex](\frac{a}{(a,b)}, \frac{b}{(a,b)})[/tex] becomes [tex](\frac{lg}{g}, \frac{jg}{g})[/tex] which becomes [tex](l , j) = 1.[/tex]

And I don't know where to go from there.

Well, assume that d divides l and j. Prove that d=1.


PROBLEM 2

Homework Statement


[tex](a, b) = (a + cb, b)[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


Let (a, b) = d and (a + cb, b) = g, with d =/= g. Thus d|a and d|b, where a = ld and b = jd. Also g|a+cb and g|b, where b = gn. Since jd = b = gn, jd = gn, and since d|b and g|b, g=d, which is a contradiction, so (a,b) = (a+cb, b).

How does it follow from d|b and g|b that g=d?
 
micromass said:
Well, assume that d divides l and j. Prove that d=1.

I know, I've tried that but I don't see how I can prove d = 1, that's why I'm stuck :)



micromass said:
How does it follow from d|b and g|b that g=d?

I actually made a huge mistake in that reasoning. Here it goes:

Let (a, b) = d and (a + cb, b) = g, with d =/= g. Thus d|a and d|b, where a = ld and b = jd. Also g|a+cb and g|b, where b = gy.

g= r(a+cb)+nb = ar + cbr + nb = ldr + cjdr + njd = d(l + cj + nj). Thus, g|d.

Now, since g|a+cb, g|a and g|cb, right, since if g divides the sum, it also divides its individual parts? Let a = gx.

d = ma + nb = mgx + nyg = g(mx + ny). Thus d|g. Since d|g and g|d, d=g.
 
Zhalfirin88 said:
I know, I've tried that but I don't see how I can prove d = 1, that's why I'm stuck :)

Well, if d divides l and j, then d divides a and b. Thus...

I actually made a huge mistake in that reasoning. Here it goes:

Let (a, b) = d and (a + cb, b) = g, with d =/= g. Thus d|a and d|b, where a = ld and b = jd. Also g|a+cb and g|b, where b = gy.

g= r(a+cb)+nb = ar + cbr + nb = ldr + cjdr + njd = d(l + cj + nj). Thus, g|d.

Now, since g|a+cb, g|a and g|cb, right, since if g divides the sum, it also divides its individual parts? Let a = gx.

d = ma + nb = mgx + nyg = g(mx + ny). Thus d|g. Since d|g and g|d, d=g.

This looks ok!
 

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