The least common multiple (LCM) of two or more numbers is the smallest multiple that all
the numbers share. It’s useful for finding common denominators in fractions, scheduling
events, and solving problems involving multiple sets.
How to Find the LCM
1. Listing Multiples:
o Write out the multiples of each number until you find the smallest one that
appears in both lists.
o Example: For 4 and 5:
▪ Multiples of 4: 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, ...
▪ Multiples of 5: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, ...
▪ LCM is 20.
2. Prime Factorization:
o Break down each number into its prime factors.
o For example, for 12 (2² × 3) and 15 (3 × 5), take the highest power of each
prime:
▪ 2² (from 12), 3¹ (from both), and 5¹ (from 15).
o Multiply these together: LCM = 2² × 3¹ × 5¹ = 60.
3. Using the Relationship with GCD:
o The formula involving the greatest common divisor (GCD) is:
LCM(a,b)=∣a×b∣GCD(a,b)\text{LCM}(a, b) = \frac{|a \times b|}{\text{GCD}(a,
b)}LCM(a,b)=GCD(a,b)∣a×b∣
o This can be helpful for larger numbers.
Applications of LCM
• Adding Fractions: Finding a common denominator.
• Problem Solving: Scheduling events that repeat at different intervals.
• Dividing Items: Distributing items into groups evenly.
Example
Find the LCM of 8 and 12:
1. Listing Multiples:
o 8: 8, 16, 24, 32, ...
o 12: 12, 24, 36, ...
o LCM is 24.
2. Prime Factorization:
o 8 = 2³
o 12 = 2² × 3
o LCM = 2³ × 3 = 24.
3. Using GCD:
o GCD(8, 12) = 4.
o LCM = 8×124=24\frac{8 \times 12}{4} = 2448×12=24.
Understanding the LCM is valuable in various mathematical and real-life applications!
