Examples
Example 1: Find the LCM of 4, 5 and 8.
Solution:
Prime factors of 4 = 2, 2
Prime factors of 5 = 5
Prime factors of 8 = 2, 2, 2
Write these prime factors into the venn diagram for each number.
Multiply each prime factor in the venn diagram to find the LCM.
Therefore, LCM(4, 5, 8) = 40.
Example 2: Find the LCM of 8, 12 and 30.
Solution:
Prime factors of 8 = 2, 2, 2
Prime factors of 12 = 2, 2, 3
Prime factors of 30 = 2, 3, 5
Write these prime factors into the venn diagram for each number.
Multiply each prime factor in the venn diagram to find the LCM.
Therefore, LCM(8, 12, 30) = 120.
Example 3: Find the LCM of 10, 25 and 30.
Solution:
Prime factors of 10 = 2, 5
Prime factors of 25 = 5, 5
Prime factors of 30 = 2, 3, 5
Write these prime factors into the venn diagram for each number.
Multiply each prime factor in the venn diagram to find the LCM.
Therefore, LCM(10, 25, 30) = 150.
Exercise
1. LCM(20,30,40) = 120
2. LCM(16,24,32) = 96
3. LCM(15,20,48) = 240
4. LCM(6,7,21) = 42
5. LCM(12, 18, 24) = 72
6. LCM(21, 24, 30) = 840
7. LCM(6, 12, 15) = 60
8. LCM(6, 9, 15) = 90
9. LCM(12, 16, 24) = 48
10. LCM(8, 12, 15) = 120