Examples
Example 1: Find the LCM of 6, 7 and 21.
Solution:
Prime factorization of 6: 6 = 2, 3
Prime factorization of 7: 7 = 7
Prime factorization of 21: 21 = 3, 7
Take the common factors once and remaining unique factors.
Multiply them together to get LCM.
Therefore, LCM(6, 7, 21) = 42.
Example 2: Find the LCM of 15, 25 and 35.
Solution:
Prime factorization of 15: 15 = 3, 5
Prime factorization of 25: 25 = 5, 5
Prime factorization of 35: 35 = 5, 7
Take the common factors once and remaining unique factors.
Multiply them together to get LCM.
Therefore, LCM(15, 25, 35) = 525.
Example 3: Find the LCM of 6, 12 and 18.
Solution:
Prime factorization of 6: 6 = 2, 3
Prime factorization of 12: 12 = 2, 2, 3
Prime factorization of 18: 18 = 2, 3, 3
Take the common factors once and remaining unique factors.
Multiply them together to get LCM.
Therefore, LCM(6, 12, 18) = 36.
Exercise
1. LCM(12,18,24) = 72
2. LCM(16,24,32) = 96
3. LCM(15,20,30) = 60
4. LCM(10,12,15) = 60
5. LCM(3,9,18) = 18
6. LCM(45,60,75) = 900
7. LCM(18,24,60) = 360
8. LCM(10,18,20) = 180
9. LCM(10,15,75) = 150
10. LCM(20,30,40) = 120