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.
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.
Finding the LCM will make adding and subtracting fractions easier.
The HCF helps when reducing fractions. The LCM helps when adding or subtracting fractions.
Use the GCF to reduce fractions. Use the LCM to add and subtract unlike fractions. Carpenters work with fractions a lot.
To add fractions.
Use the LCM when you are adding and subtracting unlike fractions. Use the GCF when you are simplifying fractions.
You would use it when adding fractions.
We use the LCM to find the least common denominator of unlike fractions.
When you are adding or subtracting fractions.
The LCD of two fractions is the same as the LCM of their denominators.
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
To add and subtract unlike fractions.