Question

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

280 and 420

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.

Let m = 420, n = 280

m – n = 420 – 280 = 140

now m = 280, n = 140

m – n = 280 – 140 = 140

now m = n = 140

∴ HCF is 140