Least

Common
Multiple
Vocabulary:
 Multiple – A multiple is formed by multiplying a given
number by the counting numbers.(1,2,3,4,5,...)
Example: List the multiples of 4 :
• 4x1=4
• 4x2=8 So, the multiples of 4
are 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24,
• 4 x 3 = 12
28, etc.
• 4 x 4 = 16
• 4 x 5 = 20
• 4 x 6 = 24
Examples:
The multiples of 4 are
4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, . . .

The multiples of 6 are

6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, 54, 60, 66, . . .

The common multiples of 4 and 6 are

12, 24, 36, 48, . . .
Least Common Multiple – the
least non-zero common multiple
of two or more numbers.
List down the first 10 multiplies of each
number.
1. 8
2. 12
3. 15
4. 20
5. 50
3 Methods in finding
the LCM
Listing Method
Prime Factorization
Repeated division
Listing
Method
Steps:

1. List down at least ten

multiplies of the given
numbers.
2. Identify the least
common multiple.
Finding the LCM: Method 1 – Listing Method
Example 1: Find the LCM of 4 and 9.
Step 1: Create a list of multiples for each number
Step 2: Circle the first multiple the numbers have in common

The LCM of 4 and 9 is 36

Finding the LCM: Method 1 – Listing Method
Example 2: Find the LCM of 8 and 12.
Step 1: Create a list of multiples for each number
Step 2: Circle the first multiple the numbers have in common

The LCM of 8 and 12 is 24

Prime
Factorization
Steps:

1. Find the prime factors of each

number.
2. Get all the common factors.
3. Include the other factors.
4. Multiply the common factors
and the product is the LCM.
Finding the LCM: Method 2 – Prime Factorization
Example 1: Find the LCM of 10 and 12.
Step 1: Find the prime factorization of each number.
Step 2: Find the product of all the prime factors

LCM = 60
Finding the LCM: Method 2 – Prime Factorization
Example 2: Find the LCM of 12 and 16.
Step 1: Find the prime factorization of each number.
Step 2: Find the product of all the prime factors

LCM = 48
Repeated
Division
Steps:

1. Divide the composite

numbers with primes (start
with 2).
2. Continue dividing until the
last number at the bottom
are prime numbers.
Finding the LCM: Method 3 – Repeated division
Example 1: Find the LCM of 3 and 7.
Step 1: Write down the composite number.
Step 2: Start dividing by the prime #s (start with 2).

LCM = 21
Finding the LCM: Method 3 – Repeated division
Example 1: Find the LCM of 20 and 30.
Step 1: Write down the composite number.
Step 2: Start dividing by the prime #s (start with 2).

LCM = 60
Problem
Solving
 GCF and LCM
Problem Solving
First, use the KWL method for approaching all
problems…
K: What do you know? (given)
W: What do you want to know? (question)
L: What did you learn? (operation)
 IF it is a GCF Problem:
 What is the question asking us?
 Do we have to split things into smaller sections?
 Are we trying to figure out how many people we can
invite?
 Are we trying to arrange something into rows or
groups?
If it is an LCM Problem:
 What is the question asking us?
 Do we have an event that is or will be repeating over
and over?
 Will we have to purchase or get multiple items in
order to have enough?
 Are we trying to figure out when something will
happen again at the same time?
 Problem solving:
Ben exercises every 12 days and Isabel every 8 days. Ben
and Isabel both exercised today. How many days will it
be until they exercise together again?
Problem solving:
Ben exercises every 12 days and Isabel every 8 days. Ben
and Isabel both exercised today. How many days will it
be until they exercise together again?

K: Ben exercises every 12 days and Isabel every 8 days

and they both exercised today.
Problem solving:
Ben exercises every 12 days and Isabel every 8 days. Ben
and Isabel both exercised today. How many days will it
be until they exercise together again?

W: How many days is it until they will both exercise

on the same day again?
Problem solving:
Ben exercises every 12 days and Isabel every 8 days. Ben
and Isabel both exercised today. How many days will it
be until they exercise together again?

L: This problem can be solved using Least Common Multiple.

We are trying to figure out when will be the next time they are
exercising together.

Find the LCM of 12 and 8.

Problem solving:
Ben exercises every 12 days and Isabel every 8 days. Ben
and Isabel both exercised today. How many days will it
be until they exercise together again?

The LCM of 12 and 8 is 24.

Answer:
page 51
Towards better Understanding
D and E