LCM( 34, 74 ) = 1258
Step 1 : Write the given numbers in a horizontal line.
34 | 74 |
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 | 34 | 74 |
17 | 37 |
Step 3 : Continue dividing by prime numbers till we get 1 in all columns.
2 | 34 | 74 |
17 | 17 | 37 |
37 | 1 | 37 |
1 | 1 |
Step 4 : Multiply numbers in first column to get LCM.
LCM( 34, 74 ) = 2 · 17 · 37 = 1258 .
This solution can be visualized using a Venn diagram.
The LCM is equal to the product of all the numbers on the diagram.