Math 6H ( Periods 3, 6, & 7)

Least Common Multiple 5-6

We looked at the first few non-zero multiples of 8 and 12
Multiples of 8: 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48, 56, 64, 72, 80...
Multiples of 12: 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 84 ...

We noticed 24, 48, and 72 appear in both lists. These numbers are called common multiples of 8 and 12 and the LEAST of the multiples is 24...
It is called... the least common multiple.
We write the least common multiple of 8 and 12 as
LCM(8,12) = 24

To find the LCM of two whole numbers you could write out the lists of multiples-- and that works relatively easily with small numbers... but there are more efficient ways to find the least common multiple of two whole numbers.

1. Write out the first few multiples of the larger of the two numbers and test each multiple for divisibility by the smaller number. The first multiple of the larger number that is divisible by the smaller number is the LCM

2. You can use prime factorization to find the LCM. The LCM is EVERY factor to its GREATEST power!!

LCM(54, 60)
54 = 2⋅ 3⋅ 3⋅ 3 = 2⋅ 3³
60 = 2⋅ 2⋅ 3⋅ 5 = 2²⋅ 3⋅ 5
So the greatest power of 2 is 2²
The greatest power of 3 is just 3
and the greatest pwoer of 5 is just 5
so the product of 2²⋅ 3⋅ 5 will be the LCM
LCM(54, 60) = 540

3. You may use the BOX method as shown in class... unfortunately it does not show well here. Remember you need to create a L. The numbers on the side of the box represent the GCF!! You need to multiple them with the last row of factors.
See me before or after class if you want any review!!


We reviewed the concept of relatively prime and noticed that any two prime numbers are relatively prime. We also noticed that if two numbers are relatively prime-- neither of them must be prime....

We also found out that if one number is a factor of a second number, the GCF of the two numbers is the first number AND... if one whole number is a factor of a second whole number the LCM of the two numbers is the second number!!
GCF(12,24) = 12
LCM(12,24) = 24

WOW!!

If two whole numbers are relatively prime---
their GCF = 1
and their LCM is their product!!
GCF(8,9) =1
GCF(8,9) = 72

WOW!!

LCM & GCF Story PRoblems
1) Read the problem
2) Re-read the problem!!
3) Figure out what is being asked for!!
4) find the "magic " word... to help you determine if you are finding GCF or LCM
5) When in doubt... draw it out!!