Finding the Least Common Multiple
Understanding the Least Common Multiple
The least common multiple (LCM) is the smallest positive number that is divisible by both given numbers. In other words, it is the lowest common denominator. For example, the LCM of 6 and 15 is 30.
Determining the Least Common Denominator
To find the LCM, you can list all the whole numbers that are multiples of the two given numbers. The smallest number that appears on both lists is the LCM. For example, the LCM of 2, 4, and 5 is 20.
Alternatively, you can use an LCM calculator to determine the lowest number that can be used as the denominator. For example, the LCM of 6 and 15 is 30.
By finding the LCM, you can ensure that fractions have the same denominator when performing operations such as addition and subtraction.
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