Why is it important to find the least common multiple?

Answer 1

If you are adding fractions, finding the least common multiple makes the arithmetic easier. For instance if you add 3/4, 5/6 and 1/12 the LCM is 12. In the worst case, you might multiply 4x6x12 to get 288, and have to change each fraction to 288ths!

Answer 2

It is not.

It is necessary to be able to find a common multiple of a set of numbers to add or subtract them. However, it is not necessary for that to be the least common multiple (LCM). The LCM will mean that the numbers in the calculations are as small as they can be but, if you don't mind working with larger numbers, it does not matter if it is not LCM.

Answer 3

So that you will be able to add and subtract fractions accurately.

Answer 4

The question makes no sense without some context. Finding the least common multiple will not help you, in any way, to write a history report or to ride a bike.

Answer 5

It will help when adding or subtraction unlike fractions.

Answer 6

That technique is essential for finding common denominators when you are adding or subtracting unlike fractions.

Answer 7

It is mainly to keep the numbers t a manageable size. Almost anything that you can do with the LCM you can do with any other common multiple.

Answer 8

Adding and subtracting unlike fractions.