LCM( 5, 7 ) = 35
Step 1 : Write the given numbers in a horizontal line.
5 | 7 |
Step 2 : Divide the given numbers by smallest prime number. In this example we can divide by 5.
(if any number is not divisible by 5, write it down unchanged)
5 | 5 | 7 |
1 | 7 |
Step 3 : Continue dividing by prime numbers till we get 1 in all columns.
5 | 5 | 7 |
7 | 1 | 7 |
1 | 1 |
Step 4 : Multiply numbers in first column to get LCM.
LCM( 5, 7 ) = 5 · 7 = 35 .
This solution can be visualized using a Venn diagram.
The LCM is equal to the product of all the numbers on the diagram.