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LEAST COMMON MULTIPLE

Least Common Multiple

Definition Of Least Common Multiple

Least common multiple is the smallest nonzero number that is a common multiple of two or more numbers considered.

More About Least Common Multiple

Finding LCM comes handy while adding, subtracting, or comparing two or more fractions with unlike denominators.
Least Common Denominator: Least common denominator is the least common multiple of the denominators of the fractions with unlike denominators.

Video Examples: Least Common Multiple (LCM)

Example of Least Common Multiple

The LCM of 6, 9, 15 is 90. 
6: 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, 54, 60, 66, 72, 78, 84, 90, . . . 
9: 9, 18, 27, 36, 45, 54, 63, 72, 81, 90, . 
15: 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, . . . 

Solved Example on Least Common Multiple

Ques: Find the least common multiple of 13 and 11.

Choices:

A. 13 
B. 24
C. 143
D. 11
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Step 1: As 13 and 11 are coprimes, the least common multiple is nothing but their product.
Step 2: So, least common multiple of 13 and 11 is 143.

Quick Summary

  • LCM is the smallest common multiple.
  • Used when adding or subtracting fractions with unlike denominators.
  • Least Common Denominator (LCD) is the LCM of the denominators.
\[ LCM(a, b) \]

🍎 Teacher Insights

Use real-world examples to illustrate the concept, such as scheduling events that occur at different intervals.

🎓 Prerequisites

  • Multiples
  • Factors

Check Your Knowledge

Q1: What is the LCM of 4 and 6?

Q2: What is the LCM of 5 and 7?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do you find the LCM?
A: List the multiples of each number until you find a common multiple. The smallest one is the LCM.

Q: What is the difference between LCM and GCF?
A: LCM is the smallest common multiple, while GCF is the largest common factor.

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