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I am trying to write a proof that shows that $\gcd(4,10)≠1$ using only the definition of gcd below.

$$\gcd(a,b) = \min(\{k∈\mathbb N : k = ax + by \text{ for some } x,y ∈ \mathbb Z\}) $$

Here is what I have so far:

By the definition,

Let $S$ be the set where $\gcd(4,10) = \min(\{k∈\mathbb N : k = 4x + 10y \text{ for some }x,y∈\mathbb Z\}).$

I am trying to prove that $\gcd(4,10)=2$ by proving that $\gcd(4,10)\ne1$ and that $2∈S$. I am doing this because $1∈\mathbb N$ and $1$ is the smallest value of $\mathbb N$. If $1$ is not an element of the set $S$, and $2$ is an element of the set, then $2$ is the minimum value of the set because it is the smallest element of $\mathbb N$ possible. And so, $\gcd(4,10) = 2$. I can prove that $2∈S$ by simply plugging in $4x+10y=2$ with $x=-2$ and $y=1$.

So, I need to prove first that $1≠\gcd(4,10)$. To do so, I am trying to show that $1$ is not an element of the set $S$, since $1≠4x+10y$ where both $x$ and $y$ are integers. (This is where I am, stuck I am not sure how to prove $1≠4x+10y$ properly).

To prove $1≠4x+10y$, I have some ideas that I came up with so far.

All integer multiples of $4$ and $10$ will result in an even number and $1$ is odd. I don't this is enough though, because I would then have to somehow prove that multiples of $4$ and $10$ are all even. I also have the idea that the smallest integers are $0,1,-1$, and inputting them into $4x+10y$ will not give $1$.

I am looking for a stronger way to prove that $\gcd(4,10)≠1$ by only using the set $S$. Any suggestions or solutions would really help me out a lot.

sam
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  • Let $1 \in S \implies \exists x,y \in Z$ s.t. $4x+10y=2(2x+5y)=1$ $ \implies 2x+5y=\frac{1}{2}$, not possible for $x,y \in Z$, can't get a fraction by linear combination of two integers, a contradiction – Sandipan Dey Feb 24 '21 at 22:05
  • Please don't change the question after answers have appeared. – Bill Dubuque Feb 25 '21 at 09:22

1 Answers1

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Hint: All elements of $S$ are even: $4x+10y=2(2x+5y)=2z$.

lhf
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  • I can't believe I didn't come up with that! Thanks!! That helps me out tremendously!! – sam Feb 24 '21 at 21:58