Gcd(a, b, c) = gcd(gcd(a,b), c)

  • Thread starter ashwinb
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In summary, to prove that gcd(a, b, c) = gcd(gcd(a,b), c), it is sufficient to prove that the sets {a, b, c} and {gcd(a,b), c} have the same sets of divisors. This can be done by showing that gcd(a, b, c) ≤ gcd(gcd(a,b), c) and gcd(a, b, c) ≥ gcd(gcd(a,b), c). Another way to prove this is by using the prime factorizations of a, b, and c, and showing that they are equal.
  • #1
ashwinb
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Help please!
I basically have to prove that gcd(a, b, c) = gcd(gcd(a,b), c).
So I know that if I just need to prove that the sets {a, b, c} and {gcd(a,b), c} have the same sets of divisors.
 
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  • #2
welcome to pf!

hi ashwinb! welcome to pf! :wink:
ashwinb said:
gcd(a, b, c) = gcd(gcd(a,b), c)

you usually do this sort of thing by proving separately:
i] gcd(a, b, c) ≤ gcd(gcd(a,b), c)
ii] gcd(a, b, c) ≥ gcd(gcd(a,b), c)

how far have you got? :smile:
 
  • #3
A straightforward way of proving this is to use the prime factorizations of a, b, and c, that is, write a=∏ipαi, b=∏ipβi, and c=∏ipγi. Then gcd(a,b,c)=∏ipmin(αiii). Likewise, gcd(gcd(a,b),c)=∏ipmin(min(αii),γi). These are equal since min(αiii)=min(min(αii),γi).
 

FAQ: Gcd(a, b, c) = gcd(gcd(a,b), c)

1. What is Gcd(a, b, c)?

Gcd(a, b, c) stands for the greatest common divisor of three numbers a, b, and c. It is the largest positive integer that divides all three numbers without leaving a remainder.

2. How is Gcd(a, b, c) calculated?

Gcd(a, b, c) can be calculated by finding the common factors of the three numbers and then selecting the largest one. This can be done by using methods such as prime factorization or the Euclidean algorithm.

3. What is the significance of gcd(gcd(a,b), c)?

The expression gcd(gcd(a,b), c) is equivalent to gcd(a, b, c). This means that the greatest common divisor of three numbers can also be found by first finding the greatest common divisor of two of the numbers, and then finding the greatest common divisor of that result and the third number.

4. How is gcd(gcd(a,b), c) useful in mathematics?

Gcd(gcd(a,b), c) can be used in a variety of mathematical problems, such as simplifying fractions, finding the lowest common denominator, and solving linear equations. It is also a fundamental concept in number theory and has applications in cryptography and computer science.

5. Can gcd(gcd(a,b), c) be extended to more than three numbers?

Yes, the concept of gcd(gcd(a,b), c) can be extended to any number of numbers. It is also known as the generalized greatest common divisor (GGCD) and can be calculated using the same methods as gcd(a, b, c).

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