LCM (Least Common Multiple) is a mathematical concept that allows us to find the smallest common multiple of two or more numbers. It is useful in various mathematical calculations, such as finding a common denominator when adding or subtracting fractions. To solve LCM, follow these steps:

1. Understand the Concept:
- LCM is the smallest multiple that two or more numbers have in common.
- It is obtained by finding the product of the highest powers of all prime factors involved.

2. Prime Factorization:
- Begin by finding the prime factors of each number involved.
- Prime factors are the prime numbers that divide a given number without leaving any remainder.

3. Identify the Factors:
- List all the prime factors obtained from step 2 for each number.
- Include any repeated prime factors, considering the highest power of each.

4. Determine the LCM:
- Multiply all the prime factors obtained in step 3.
- Include each prime factor the maximum number of times it appears in any of the given numbers.

5. Example:
Let's find the LCM of 12, 18, and 20.
- Prime factors of 12: 2 * 2 * 3
- Prime factors of 18: 2 * 3 * 3
- Prime factors of 20: 2 * 2 * 5
- LCM = 2 * 2 * 3 * 3 * 5 = 180

6. Shortcut Method:
- Instead of listing all the prime factors and multiplying them, you can use a shortcut method.
- Write down the given numbers and divide them successively by the smallest prime numbers (2, 3, 5, 7, etc.) until you cannot divide anymore.
- Multiply the resulting quotients to obtain the LCM.

7. Example (Shortcut Method):
Let's find the LCM of 24, 36, and 48.
- Divide each number successively:
24 ÷ 2 = 12, 12 ÷ 2 = 6, 6 ÷ 2 = 3
36 ÷ 2 = 18, 18 ÷ 2 = 9, 9 ÷ 3 = 3
48 ÷ 2 = 24, 24 ÷ 2 = 12, 12 ÷ 2 = 6, 6 ÷ 2 = 3
- Multiply the resulting quotients: 2 * 2 * 2 * 3 * 3 = 72

By following these steps, you can easily solve LCM problems and find the least common multiple of any given set of numbers.