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Question from Anonymous, a student:

I asked about my question to everyone online but they haven't answered
probably. So, I decide to ASK you about this problem!

Here goes: Express the HCF of 1232 and 573 as 1232x + 573y = 1.

(I found this from the website:
http://www.math.mtu.edu/mathlab/COURSES/holt/dnt/euclid4.html)

Remember that something looks like this . but it is a multiplication sign.

1. 1232 = 2 ·573 + 86.
2. 573 = 6 ·86 + 57.
3. 86 = 1 ·57 + 29.
4. 57 = 1 ·29 + 28.
5. 29 = 1 ·28 + 1.
6. 28 = 28 ·1 + 0.

Then, do the reverse:
1 = 29 – 1 times 28
a. = 29 – 1 ·(57 – 1 ·29)
b. = –1 ·57 + 2 · 29
c. = –1 ·57 + 2 ·(86 – 1 ·57)
d. = 2 ·86 – 3 ·57
e. = 2 ·86 – 3 ·(573 – 6 ·86)
f. = –3 ·573 + 20 ·86
g. = –3 ·573 + 20 ·(1232 – 2 ·573)
h. = 20 ·1232 – 43 ·573.

from the line b, how do you get that? What do I have to multiple or add or what?

Thankyou, I hope this isn't much of too tiring to you.
From Anonymous.

Dear Anonymous,

What happens is that each equation 1, 2, ..., 6 is solved for its remainder term and then the result is substituted into the one among b, c, ... that you're working on. These equations are used in t he order 5, 4, 3, 2, 1

The first equation you have is equation 5 re-written. To get from it to a b, you re-write equation 4 as 28 = 57 - 1x29 and substitute that for 28. Then you simplify in order to get c. Next you rewrite 3 as 29 = 86-1x57 and substitute that for 29 in what you have. Simplify, then repeat by solving equation 2 for 57, then simplify again and do the same using equation 1 and 86. When you're done, everything is in terms of 1232 and 573.

Hope this helps.
Victoria

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