answersLogoWhite

0

What is an LCM?

User Avatar

Anonymous

7y ago
Updated: 4/28/2022

Least common multiple (LCM) is the is the multiple of the highest power of prime factors in the given numbers. For example, LCM of 4, 8, and 12 = 23 x 3 = 8 x 3 = 24.

The LCM is the smallest number that each of your given numbers will go into. So, 4 will divide into 12 but 8 won't. If you're not comfortable with prime numbers, which is the best way to approach this problem, try stepping up one each time. 12 x 2 = 24. 4 will divide into 24 and so will 8. So 24 is the LCM of those three numbers.
The LCM, or least common multiple, is the smallest positive whole number exactly divisible by two or more given whole numbers. Example: the LCM of 14 and 35 is 70 because 70/14=5 and 70/35=2, and no number smaller than 70 is exactly divisible by 14 and 35.
LCM is Lowest Common Multiple or Least Common Multiple.

It is the Lowest (whole) number (greater than 0) that is a multiple of all the other (whole) numbers.

It is sometimes referred to as the LCD or Lowest Common Denominator when dealing with fractions and trying to find the (lowest) denominator to use for equivalent fractions (so that all the fractions have the same denominator for addition or subtraction of the fractions). By using the LCM of the denominators it keeps the numerators of the equivalent fractions as small as possible.

User Avatar

Wiki User

7y ago

What else can I help you with?