Let $D$ be a PID and $a$ and $b$ be nonzero elements of $D$. Prove that there exist elements $s$ and $t$ in $D$ such that $\gcd(a, b) = as + bt$.

abstract-algebragcd-and-lcmprincipal-ideal-domainsring-theory

Let $D$ be a principal ideal domain and $a$ and $b$ be nonzero elements of $D$. Prove that there exist elements $s$ and $t$ in $D$ such that $\gcd(a, b) = as + bt$.

I would like to use some properties of $\text{PID}$s to prove this but I am only thinking of well-ordering principle that is used to prove for integers, which I don't think I can use since $D$ is not necessarily the set of integers, right? Any ideas?

Best Answer

Hint $\,\ c\mid\gcd(a,b)\!\iff\! c\mid a,b\!\iff\! (c)\supseteq (a),(b)\!\iff\! (c)\supseteq \overbrace{(a,b)=(d)}^{\Large as+bt\ =\ d\ }\!\iff\! c\mid d$

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