NIST

Euclid's algorithm

(algorithm)

Definition: An algorithm to compute the greatest common divisor of two positive integers. It is Euclid(a,b){if (b=0) then return a; else return Euclid(b, a mod b);}. The run time complexity is O((log a)(log b)) bit operations.

Also known as Euclidean algorithm.

See also binary GCD, extended Euclid's algorithm, Ferguson-Forcade algorithm.

Note: After [CLR90, page 810].

Author: PEB

Implementation

Worst-case behavior annotated for real time (WOOP/ADA).
Go to the Dictionary of Algorithms and Data Structures home page.

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Entry modified 2 March 2015.
HTML page formatted Wed Mar 13 12:42:45 2019.

Cite this as:
Paul E. Black, "Euclid's algorithm", in Dictionary of Algorithms and Data Structures [online], Paul E. Black, ed. 2 March 2015. (accessed TODAY) Available from: https://www.nist.gov/dads/HTML/euclidalgo.html