How to find out LCM?
Finding the LCM (Least Common Multiple) is an important concept in mathematics, especially when dealing with fractions or solving problems involving multiple numbers. The LCM is the smallest positive integer that is divisible by two or more given numbers. In this response, we will explain the steps to find the LCM in detail.
1. Understand the Concept
The LCM is the smallest number that is divisible by all the given numbers. To find the LCM, we need to identify the common factors and the highest power of each factor.
2. Prime Factorization
The first step is to find the prime factorization of each given number. Prime factorization means expressing a number as a product of its prime factors. For example, for the number 24, the prime factorization is 2 x 2 x 2 x 3.
3. Identify Common Factors
Next, identify the common factors among the prime factorizations of the given numbers. Common factors are the prime factors that appear in all the numbers. For example, if we have numbers 24 and 36, the common factors are 2 and 3.
4. Highest Power
After identifying the common factors, determine the highest power of each common factor. The highest power is the largest exponent of a common factor that appears in any of the prime factorizations. For example, for the common factor 2 in the numbers 24 and 36, the highest power is 3 (2^3).
5. Multiply the Common Factors
Multiply all the common factors, including their highest powers, identified in step 4. In our example, we multiply 2^3 x 3 to get 24 x 3 = 72.
6. Final Result
The result obtained in step 5 is the Least Common Multiple (LCM) of the given numbers. In this case, the LCM of 24 and 36 is 72.
To summarize the steps:
1. Understand the concept of LCM
2. Find the prime factorization of each given number
3. Identify the common factors
4. Determine the highest power of each common factor
5. Multiply the common factors with their highest powers
6. The result is the LCM of the given numbers
By following these steps, you can find the LCM of any given numbers.
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