Question

Using repeated subtraction method, find the HCF of the following:

36 and 80

Answer 1

Let number be m and n

m > n

We do m – n and the result of subtraction becomes new ‘m’. if m becomes less than n, we do n – m and then assign the result as n. We should do this till m = n. When m = n then ‘m’ is the HCF.

36 and 80

m = 80,

n = 36

80 − 36 = 44,

now n = 44,

m = 36

Since n > m, we should do n − m

44 − 36 = 8,

now n = 8, m = 36

36 − 8 = 28

Similarly, processing, proceeding, we do repeated subtraction till m = n

28 – 8 = 20

20 – 8 = 12

12 – 8 = 4

8 – 4 = 4

now m = n = 4

∴ HCF is 4