Least Common Multiple Calculator
Instantly calculate the Least Common Multiple (LCM) for multiple numbers. Includes detailed step-by-step solutions using prime factorization.
Least Common Multiple Calculator
What is the Least Common Multiple (LCM)?
The Least Common Multiple (LCM), also known as the Lowest Common Multiple, is the smallest positive number that is a multiple of two or more numbers. Think of it as the first number that appears in the multiplication tables of all your numbers. It is a crucial concept for adding or subtracting fractions with different denominators and for solving problems involving repeating events or cycles.
Example
Take 4 and 6. Multiples of 4 are: 4, 8, 12, 16... Multiples of 6 are: 6, 12, 18... The first number they share is 12. Therefore, LCM(4, 6) = 12.
Key Properties & Tips
- The LCM is never smaller than the largest number in your group.
- If the largest number is divisible by all the others, then it is the LCM.
- For prime numbers (like 3 and 5), the LCM is simply their product (3 × 5 = 15).
- For any two numbers a and b: LCM(a, b) = (a × b) / GCF(a, b).
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