LCM( 251, 33, 257 ) = 2128731
Step 1 : Write the given numbers in a horizontal line.
251 | 33 | 257 |
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 | 251 | 33 | 257 |
251 | 11 | 257 |
Step 3 : Continue dividing by prime numbers till we get 1 in all columns.
3 | 251 | 33 | 257 |
11 | 251 | 11 | 257 |
251 | 251 | 1 | 257 |
257 | 1 | 1 | 257 |
1 | 1 | 1 |
Step 4 : Multiply numbers in first column to get LCM.
LCM( 251, 33, 257 ) = 3 · 11 · 251 · 257 = 2128731 .
This solution can be visualized using a Venn diagram.
The LCM is equal to the product of all the numbers on the diagram.