What are the greatest powers of factors?

Answer 1

It's a method some people use when finding an LCM. It helps with larger numbers when you're using exponents. Example: 360 and 450

23 x 32 x 5 = 360

2 x 32 x 52 = 450

The LCM will be a number that incorporates the greatest powers (exponents) of these factors. 23 is greater than 2(1), 52 is greater than 5(1), 32 and 32 are equally great. The LCM of 360 and 450 is 23 x 32 x 52 which is 8 x 9 x 25 which is 1800.