LCM Calculator
LCM Calculator
The Least Common Multiple (LCM) of two or more integers, when none of them is zero, is the smallest positive number that is a multiple of every one of them. It is the smallest quantity you can reach by adding up any of the given numbers a whole number of times.
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Listing Multiples
List out the multiples of each number until you find the smallest one that appears in every list — that shared value is the LCM.
Prime Factorization
List the prime factors of each number, then multiply together the highest power of every prime that appears in any of the numbers. The result is the LCM.
Video: Least Common Multiple
Three-Planet Alignment
Suppose three planets revolve around a star, taking l, m, and n whole units of time respectively to complete one orbit. If the planets start out aligned, they align again after
units of time.
What is LCM?
The Least Common Multiple (LCM) of two or more integers, when none of them is zero, is the smallest positive number that is a multiple of every one of them. It is the smallest quantity you can reach by adding up any of the given numbers a whole number of times.
When do I use this in real life?
- Do you have an event that repeats on a cycle?
- Will you need to buy multiple items in different-sized packs to have enough of each?
- Are you trying to figure out when something will line up again at the same time?
Hotdogs and Buns
Hotdogs come in packages of 10, while buns come in packages of 8 or 12. What is the smallest number of packages of each you would need to buy to end up with the same number of hotdogs and buns? The answer comes from the LCM of 10, 8, and 12.
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