LCM C

PAGE 73-78
LCM – Least Common Multiple
It is the smallest number that is divisible by the given
number.
There are three different ways on how to get the
LCM:
1. Listing Method
2. Prime Factorization
3. Continuous Division Method
Listing Method / Skip Counting:
We write the set of multiples of each number. Then, get the
smallest number.
EXAMPLE:
1. LCM of 6 and 8
6 = 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36
8 = 8, 16, 24, 32, 40

24 is the LCM of 6 and

8.
Try this using listing method:
1.) 8 and 12
8:
= 8, 16, 24, 32, 40

12:
= 12, 24, 36, 48

LCM of 8 and 12 is 24.

Try this using listing method:
1.) 4 and 9
4:
= 4, 8, 12, 16, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40

9:
= 9, 18, 27, 36, 45

LCM of 4 and 9 is 36
Prime Factorization
Get the prime factors of the given number using factor tree or
decomposition method.
Get the common factors and all extra factors then multiply.
EXAMPLE:
1. LCM of 6 and 8 6=2x3
8=2x2x2
6 8
2 3 2 4 2 x 3 x 2 x 2 = 24
2 2 LCM of 6 and 8 is 24.
Try this using PRIME FACTORIZATION:
1. 30 and 60
30 : 2 x 3 x 5
30 60 60 : 2 x 2 x 3 x 5
2 15 2 30

3 5 2 15 2 x 3 x 5 x 2 = 60

3 5 LCM of 30 and 60 is 60.

Try this using PRIME FACTORIZATION:
1. 17 and 51
17 : 1 X 17
17 51 51 : 3 X 17
1 17 3 17
1 x 3 x 17

LCM of 17 and 51 is 51.

Continuous Division
1. Write the numbers horizontally.
2. Find the prime numbers that you can divide on both given
numbers, if possible.
3. Write the divisor or prime number on the side and the
quotients below the numbers.
4. Continue the process until no two numbers have a common
prime divisor or until the quotients is a prime number
already.
EXAMPLE:
1. LCM of 6 and 8
2 6 8 Divide the numbers by a prime
2 3 4 4 is still a composite number
3 2 Both prime numbers

Multiple all the prime numbers to

get the LCM.
2 x 2 x 3 x 2 = 24

LCM of 6 and 8 is 24.

Try this using CONTINUOUS DIVISION:
1. 5 and 10
5 5 10
1 2

5 x 1 x 2 = 10

LCM of 5 and 10 is 10.