Thread: Maths: HCF/LCM teaching

Hi

I'm new to this forum, and so apologise if this has been addressed before.

I am teaching M1 maths again, and find HCF/LCM on the syllabus again.

Can someone explain why the texts all offer solutions by factorisation instead of Euclid's algorithm? I have not found a text that does not, and, of course, the Thai teachers all follow this strategy.

Note that factorisation is computationally difficult, and all but impossible for the weaker Thai students, whereas Euclid's algorithm is simple - relies on subtraction only - and works in a straightforward manner for arbitrarily large numbers.

TIA
- Roger -

judging by the replies i assume everyone thought the same as me when they read your post.

uh..what?