English

A Division Algorithm for the Gaussian Integers' Minimal Euclidean Function

Number Theory 2025-03-03 v1

Abstract

The usual division algorithms on Z\mathbb{Z} and Z[i]\mathbb{Z}[i] measure the size of remainders using the norm function. These rings are Euclidean with respect to several functions. The pointwise minimum of all Euclidean functions f:R0Nf: R \setminus 0 \rightarrow \mathbb{N} on a Euclidean domain RR is itself a Euclidean function, called the minimal Euclidean function and denoted by ϕR\phi_R. The integers, Z\mathbb{Z}, and the Gaussians, Z[i]\mathbb{Z}[i], are the only rings of integers of number fields for which we have a formula to compute their minimal Euclidean functions, ϕZ\phi_{\mathbb{Z}} and ϕZ[i]\phi_{\mathbb{Z}[i]}. This paper presents the first division algorithm for Z[i]\mathbb{Z}[i] relative to ϕZ[i]\phi_{\mathbb{Z}[i]}, empowering readers to perform the Euclidean algorithm on Z[i]\mathbb{Z}[i] using its minimal Euclidean function.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.2502.21136,
  title  = {A Division Algorithm for the Gaussian Integers' Minimal Euclidean Function},
  author = {Hester Graves},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2502.21136},
  year   = {2025}
}

Comments

14 pages

R2 v1 2026-06-28T22:01:59.899Z