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Euclid's algorithm works because HCF(a, b) = HCF(b, r) whenever a = bq + r. Why does replacing the pair (a, b) by (b, r) leave the HCF unchanged?

Class 10Real NumbersNumber Systems
  • ABecause r is always smaller than b
  • BBecause every common divisor of a and b also divides r = a − bq, and every common divisor of b and r also divides a = bq + r
  • CBecause the quotient q is unique
  • DBecause a and b are both positive integers

Step-by-Step Solution

The two pairs have exactly the SAME set of common divisors, so they must have the same greatest one. That r < b is what makes the algorithm terminate, and uniqueness of q is a separate fact — neither explains why the HCF is preserved.
Answer: B) Because every common divisor of a and b also divides r = a − bq, and every common divisor of b and r also divides a = bq + r

Key idea: When does a rational number terminate?

**Theorem**: A rational number (in lowest terms) has a terminating decimal expansion if and only if has the form **2ᵐ × 5ⁿ** (m, n ≥ 0).

**Examples**:
- → terminates → terminates → does NOT terminate… recurring.)
- → does NOT terminate (because of the 3).

**Why**: any decimal expansion is a fraction with denominator 10ⁿ = 2ⁿ × 5ⁿ. To convert to decimal form, you need to ONLY have 2s and 5s as primes — otherwise you can't multiply numerator/denominator into a power of 10.

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