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The Least Common Multiple

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Gerald Marco
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19 views2 pages

The Least Common Multiple

Uploaded by

Gerald Marco
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Prepared by GTMarco 1

The Least Common Multiple (LCM)


Definition: The Least Common Multiple (LCM) of two or more numbers is the smallest multiple
that is exactly divisible by each of the numbers.

Importance: LCM is used in solving problems involving addition and subtraction of fractions,
finding common denominators, and solving least common multiple problems in various contexts.

Methods to Find the GCF


Method 1: Listing Multiples

List the Multiples: Write out the multiples of each number until you find the first common multiple.

Example: Find the LCM of 4 and 5.

Multiples of 4: 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, ...

Multiples of 5: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, ...

LCM: The first common multiple is 20.

Method 2: Prime Factorization or Tree Method

1. Prime Factorize Each Number: Break down each number into its prime factors.

Example: Find the LCM of 12 and 18.

These lecture notes are intended solely for educational purposes. Reproduction, distribution,
republication, and/or retransmission of material contained within this document are prohibited
unless the prior written permission of Gerald T. Marco has been obtained.
Prepared by GTMarco 2

12 = 22 × 3

18 = 2 × 32

2. Take the Highest Power of Each Prime: For each prime number, take the highest power that
appears in any of the factorizations.

Highest power of 2: 22

Highest power of 3: 32

3. Multiply These Together: Multiply the highest powers of the prime factors.

LCM: 22 × 32 = 4 × 9 = 36

Method 3: Division Method (or Ladder Method)

Example: Find the LCM of 20 and 30.

LCM: Multiply all the divisors: 2 × 5 × 2 × 3 = 𝟔𝟎

Applications of LCM
Adding and Subtracting Fractions
Common Denominator: LCM is used to find the least common denominator when adding or
subtracting fractions.

Summary
• The LCM is the smallest number that is a multiple of two or more numbers.
• Methods to find the LCM include listing multiples, prime factorization, and the division
method.
• Understanding and applying the LCM is essential for solving problems involving fractions
and periodic events.

These lecture notes are intended solely for educational purposes. Reproduction, distribution,
republication, and/or retransmission of material contained within this document are prohibited
unless the prior written permission of Gerald T. Marco has been obtained.

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