NIST

greatest common divisor

(algorithm)

Definition: (1) The greatest integer which is a divisor of given positive integers. For instance, GCD(30, 42) = 6. (2) An algorithm to find the same.

Also known as GCD, highest common factor.

See also Euclid's algorithm, binary GCD, least common multiple, extended Euclid's algorithm.

Note: After [CLR90, page 804].

Author: PEB

Implementation

(Scheme)
Go to the Dictionary of Algorithms and Data Structures home page.

If you have suggestions, corrections, or comments, please get in touch with Paul E. Black.

Entry modified 4 October 2006.
HTML page formatted Tue Dec 6 16:16:32 2011.

Cite this as:
Paul E. Black, "greatest common divisor", in Dictionary of Algorithms and Data Structures [online], Paul E. Black, ed., U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology. 4 October 2006. (accessed TODAY) Available from: http://www.nist.gov/dads/HTML/greatestCommonDivisor.html

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