LCM( 117, 221 ) = 1989
Step 1 : Write the given numbers in a horizontal line.
117 | 221 |
Step 2 : Divide the given numbers by smallest prime number. In this example we can divide by 3.
(if any number is not divisible by 3, write it down unchanged)
3 | 117 | 221 |
39 | 221 |
Step 3 : Continue dividing by prime numbers till we get 1 in all columns.
3 | 117 | 221 |
3 | 39 | 221 |
13 | 13 | 221 |
17 | 1 | 17 |
1 | 1 |
Step 4 : Multiply numbers in first column to get LCM.
LCM( 117, 221 ) = 3 · 3 · 13 · 17 = 1989 .
This solution can be visualized using a Venn diagram.
The LCM is equal to the product of all the numbers on the diagram.