Least Common Multiple (LCM)

LCM (Least Common Multiple) LCM is the smallest number, which is a multiple of two or more given numbers. Example: LCM of 4 and 6 = 12 (because 12 is the smallest number that both 4 and 6 divide exactly) Here are easy methods to solve LCM questions, explain step-by-step 👍 Method 1: Listing (for small numbers) Steps: 1. Write multiples of each number. 2. Find the first common multiple. Example: Find LCM of 4 and 6 Multiples of 4: 4, 8, 12, 16 Multiples of 6: 6, 12, 18 ✅ LCM = 12 Method 2: Prime Factorization (Most common method) Steps: 1. Break each number into prime factors. 2. Take all prime factors with the highest powers. 3. Multiply them. Example: Find LCM of 8 and 12 8 = 2 × 2 × 2 = 2³ 12 = 2 × 2 × 3 = 2² × 3 LCM = 2³ × 3 LCM = 24 Method 3: Division Method (Easy & Fast) Steps: 1. Write numbers side by side. 2. Divide by common prime numbers. 3. Multiply all divisors and remaining numbers. Example: Find LCM of 6 and 10 2 | 6 10 5 | 3 5 3 1 LCM = 2 × 5 × 3 = 30 Tip for Exams 📌 Small numbers → Listing Big numbers → Prime factorization or division method #maths #lcm #education