Chapter 3: Problem 4
Show that \(\operatorname{gcd}(a, b)=1\) and \(\operatorname{gcd}(a, c)=1\) imply that \(\operatorname{gcd}(a, b c)=1\).
Short Answer
Expert verified
\(\operatorname{gcd}(a, b c) = 1\) because \(a\) is coprime to both \(b\) and \(c\).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Concepts of GCD and Coprime Numbers
The greatest common divisor (gcd) of two numbers is the largest positive integer that divides both numbers without a remainder. Two numbers are said to be coprime (or relatively prime) if their gcd is 1. Here, it is given that \(\operatorname{gcd}(a, b)=1\) and \(\operatorname{gcd}(a, c)=1\). This means that \(a\) is coprime to both \(b\) and \(c\).
02
Apply the Properties of GCD
One important property of gcd is that \(\operatorname{gcd}(x, yz) = \operatorname{gcd}(\operatorname{gcd}(x, y), z)\). We apply this concept by recognizing that \(\operatorname{gcd}(a, bc)\) can be compared stepwise through the factors of \(bc\).
03
Use the Prime Factorization Concept
Since \(\operatorname{gcd}(a, b)=1\), \(a\) and \(b\) share no common prime factors. Similarly, \(a\) and \(c\) also share no common prime factors because \(\operatorname{gcd}(a, c)=1\). This implies that any common factor of \(a\) and \(bc\) must divide both \(b\) and \(c\), which cannot happen since they are both coprime with \(a\).
04
Conclude with GCD of Combined Product
Given that \(a\) is coprime to both \(b\) and \(c\), any combination product \(bc\) will have no prime factor in common with \(a\). Thus, \(\operatorname{gcd}(a, bc) = 1\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Coprime Numbers
Coprime numbers, also known as relatively prime numbers, are two numbers with no common prime factors other than 1. This implies that the greatest common divisor (GCD) of two coprime numbers is automatically 1. Let's consider the expressions \( \operatorname{gcd}(a, b) = 1 \) and \( \operatorname{gcd}(a, c) = 1 \). These statements indicate that the number \( a \) does not share any prime factors with either \( b \) or \( c \). Consequently, \( a \) and \( b \) are coprime, and \( a \) and \( c \) are also coprime.
A useful tip for identifying coprime numbers: if you can verify that two numbers have no common divisors other than 1, they are indeed coprime. In our specific exercise, since \( a \) is coprime to both \( b \) and \( c \), it follows the logical deduction that it is also coprime to their product \( bc \). This understanding is pivotal in comprehending the properties of the GCD.
A useful tip for identifying coprime numbers: if you can verify that two numbers have no common divisors other than 1, they are indeed coprime. In our specific exercise, since \( a \) is coprime to both \( b \) and \( c \), it follows the logical deduction that it is also coprime to their product \( bc \). This understanding is pivotal in comprehending the properties of the GCD.
Prime Factorization
Prime factorization is the process of breaking down a number into its basic building blocks: prime numbers. For example, the number 12 can be expressed as \( 2^2 \times 3 \), which illustrates that 2 and 3 are the prime factors of 12.
Applying this concept to our exercise, if \( \operatorname{gcd}(a, b) = 1 \), then \( a \) and \( b \) do not share prime factors. The same logic applies to \( a \) and \( c \) with \( \operatorname{gcd}(a, c) = 1 \). This tells us that there is no common prime factor between each pair in these expressions.
When we consider \( bc \) — the product of \( b \) and \( c \) — any primes in \( bc \) are also in either \( b \) or \( c \). Because \( a \) is coprime with both individually, it cannot share any common prime factor with the collective factors in \( bc \). This realization assists in understanding why \( \operatorname{gcd}(a, bc) = 1 \).
Applying this concept to our exercise, if \( \operatorname{gcd}(a, b) = 1 \), then \( a \) and \( b \) do not share prime factors. The same logic applies to \( a \) and \( c \) with \( \operatorname{gcd}(a, c) = 1 \). This tells us that there is no common prime factor between each pair in these expressions.
When we consider \( bc \) — the product of \( b \) and \( c \) — any primes in \( bc \) are also in either \( b \) or \( c \). Because \( a \) is coprime with both individually, it cannot share any common prime factor with the collective factors in \( bc \). This realization assists in understanding why \( \operatorname{gcd}(a, bc) = 1 \).
Properties of GCD
The greatest common divisor, aside from determining coprimeness, also has several noteworthy properties that can simplify complex problems. One such property is that if two numbers are coprime, any linear combination of them will also be coprime with those numbers. Furthermore, the GCD is associative, meaning it can be broken down interactively among various terms: \( \operatorname{gcd}(x, yz) = \operatorname{gcd}(\operatorname{gcd}(x, y), z) \).
In our problem, this property allows us to treat the product \( bc \) as a combined number when calculating the GCD with \( a \). Since both \( \operatorname{gcd}(a, b) \) and \( \operatorname{gcd}(a, c) \) equate to 1, using the properties of GCD ensures that \( \operatorname{gcd}(a, bc) \) will also be 1.
Understanding this property is vital as it simplifies identifying whether products of numbers maintain coprimality with others. It broadens our understanding by illustrating that regardless of how complex a product of coprime numbers becomes, their essential mutual relationship remains unchanged.
In our problem, this property allows us to treat the product \( bc \) as a combined number when calculating the GCD with \( a \). Since both \( \operatorname{gcd}(a, b) \) and \( \operatorname{gcd}(a, c) \) equate to 1, using the properties of GCD ensures that \( \operatorname{gcd}(a, bc) \) will also be 1.
Understanding this property is vital as it simplifies identifying whether products of numbers maintain coprimality with others. It broadens our understanding by illustrating that regardless of how complex a product of coprime numbers becomes, their essential mutual relationship remains unchanged.