LCM( 145, 232 ) = 1160
Step 1 : Write the given numbers in a horizontal line.
145 | 232 |
Step 2 : Divide the given numbers by smallest prime number. In this example we can divide by 2.
(if any number is not divisible by 2, write it down unchanged)
2 | 145 | 232 |
145 | 116 |
Step 3 : Continue dividing by prime numbers till we get 1 in all columns.
2 | 145 | 232 |
2 | 145 | 116 |
2 | 145 | 58 |
5 | 145 | 29 |
29 | 29 | 29 |
1 | 1 |
Step 4 : Multiply numbers in first column to get LCM.
LCM( 145, 232 ) = 2 · 2 · 2 · 5 · 29 = 1160 .
This solution can be visualized using a Venn diagram.
The LCM is equal to the product of all the numbers on the diagram.