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Lowest
Common Multiple
The multiples of any number are the result
of multiplying this number by 1, 2, 3, etc…
Example:
The multiples of 3 are: 3, 6, 9, 12,
15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, etc…
The multiples of 4 are: 4, 8, 12,
16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, etc…
There are common multiples for the
numbers 3 and 4, including:
12, 24, 36, etc…. The lowest common
multiple is 12.
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The lowest number in a group of
common multiples is called the Lowest Common Multiple, usually
referred to as LCM.
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Example 1
Determine the LCM for the 12 and 18.
Solution:
Multiples of 12 are:
12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 84, 96, 108, etc…
Multiples of 18 are: 18, 36, 54, 72,
90, 108, 126, etc…
The common multiples of 12 and 18 are:
36, 72, 108, etc….
The lowest common multiple = LCM = 36.
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