E.g. Multiples of 8 are 8, 16, 24, 32, …
Multiples of 3 are 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, …
In general:
To find the lowest common multiple (LCM) of two or more numbers, list the multiples of the larger number and stop when you find a multiple of the other number. This is the LCM.
Example 3
Find the lowest common multiple of 6 and 9.
Solution:
List the multiples of 9 and stop when you find a multiple of 6.
Multiples of 9 are 9, 18, …
Multiples of 6 are 6, 12, 18, …
Example 4
Find the lowest common multiple of 5, 6 and 8.
Solution:
List the multiples of 8 and stop when you find a multiple of both 5 and 6.
Multiples of 8 are 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48, 56, 64, 72, 80, 88, 96, 104, 112, 120, …
Stop at 120 as it is a multiple of both 5 and 6.
So, the LCM of 5, 6 and 8 is 120.
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The HCF helps when reducing fractions. The LCM helps when adding or subtracting fractions.
To add fractions.
The LCM refers to integers, not fractions.
LCM is used to find the lowest common denominator in fractions HCF is used to reduce fractions to their simplest terms
When you want to add or subtract unlike fractions.