Lowest Common Multiple (LCM)

What is a Multiple? #

A multiple of a number is what you get when you keep adding that number to itself.

For example:

• Multiples of 3 are: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and so on.
• Multiples of 4 are: 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, and so on.

What is the LCM? #

The Lowest Common Multiple (LCM) is the smallest multiple that is found in two or more numbers.

How to Find the LCM #

Example: Find the lowest common multiple (LCM) or 3 and 4

1. List the multiples of each number:
   • Multiples of 3: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, …
   • Multiples of 4: 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, …
2. Choose the smallest multiple that is in both numbers:
   • The smallest common multiple (LCM) or 3 and 4 is 12

QUESTIONS #

1. What is the LCM of 4 and 5?
2. What is the LCM of 6 and 8?
3. Find the LCM of 3 and 7.
4. What is the LCM of 9 and 12?
5. What is the LCM of 10 and 15?
6. Find the LCM of 2 and 6.
7. What is the LCM of 5 and 8?
8. What is the LCM of 7 and 14?
9. What is the LCM of 4 and 10?
10. Find the LCM of 3, 4, and 6.