L.C.M METHODS EXPLAINED
In mathematics, LCM stands for Lowest Common Multiple or Least Common Multiple.
Methods of Finding L.C.M
There are two major methods of finding the L.C.M (Lowest Common Multiple) of a number or numbers. These methods are:
1. The Multiples method
2. The Division method
The Multiples Method
Another name for the multiples method is the skip counting method.
Example: Find the L.C.M of 6 and 9
Using multiples method, it will be solved as:
Multiples of 6=6,12,18,24,30...(keep adding 6 to the answer gotten).This is how you get the multiples of a number.
Multiples of 9=9,18,27,36,45...(keep adding 9 to the answer gotten).
Therefore, the L.C.M of 6 and 9 =18. This is because it is the lowest similar number that can be found in the both multiples.
The Division Method
Find the L.C.M of 6 and 9.
2 | 6 | 9 3 | 3 | 9 3 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1
Therefore, the L.C.M of 6 and 9 is 2×3×3=18
Note; you can also use a straight line instead of broken lines when using the division method.
Teacher: Whatever method you choose to use ensure to arrive at the same answer.
Now Try These:
Find the L.C.M of the following using the Skip counting method and Division method
1) 8 and 20
2) 5 and 25
3) 20, 40 and 100
4) 6, 12 and 72
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