SOLUTION: I do not even know where to start with this proof. Prove or disprove: let a, b, and c be integers such that a and b are relatively prime and c divides a+b. Prove that gcd(a,c)=g

Algebra ->  Proofs -> SOLUTION: I do not even know where to start with this proof. Prove or disprove: let a, b, and c be integers such that a and b are relatively prime and c divides a+b. Prove that gcd(a,c)=g      Log On


   



Question 1068315: I do not even know where to start with this proof.
Prove or disprove: let a, b, and c be integers such that a and b are relatively prime and c divides a+b. Prove that gcd(a,c)=gcd(b,c)=1.

Answer by ikleyn(52780) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
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I do not even know where to start with this proof.
Prove or disprove: let a, b, and c be integers such that a and b are relatively prime and c divides a+b. Prove that gcd(a,c)=gcd(b,c)=1.
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I will prove the firs statement gcd(a,c) = 1, leaving the second to you.

Let assume that GCD(a,c) = d > 1.   (GCD is the Greatest Common Divisor).

Then d divides both "a" and "c".                    (*)

Since "c" divides a+b, then "d" divides a+b too.    (**)

Now, we have that "d" divides "a" (Line *) and "d" divides a+b (Line **).

It implies that "d" divides both "a" and "b".

It contradicts to the given fact that "a" and "b" are relatively simple.

Hence, the initial assumption  GCD(a,c) = d > 1  is WRONG.

It means GCD(a,c) = 1.

When solving such problems, the major move is to make the first step.