Activity Overview
In this activity students use the Computer Algebra System CAS tool to compute greatest common divisor (GCD) and least common multiple (LCM) of numbers and expressions.
Before the Activity
See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
Print pages 1 - 10 from the attached PDF file for the class
During the Activity
Distribute the pages to the class.
Follow the Activity procedures:
Factorize two large numbers and find their GCD
Understand that if a number is the GCD of two or more numbers, then the quotients of the given numbers and the GCD do not have any prime factors in common
Study the proof for the above statement
Determine the GCD of two large expressions
Discover the concept of a nested function and use it to calculate the GCD for three or more numbers
Find GCD of non-integer numbers and interpret the outcomes
Use the concept of GCD to solve problems
Repeat the procedure to compute the LCM of numbers/expressions
Find the relationship between the LCM of two expressions, the expressions themselves, and their GCD
After the Activity
Students complete the exercises listed on the activity pages.
Review student results.
As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
Re-teach concepts as necessary