LCM( 98, 142 ) = 6958
Step 1 : Write the given numbers in a horizontal line.
98 | 142 |
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 | 98 | 142 |
49 | 71 |
Step 3 : Continue dividing by prime numbers till we get 1 in all columns.
2 | 98 | 142 |
7 | 49 | 71 |
7 | 7 | 71 |
71 | 1 | 71 |
1 | 1 |
Step 4 : Multiply numbers in first column to get LCM.
LCM( 98, 142 ) = 2 · 7 · 7 · 71 = 6958 .
This solution can be visualized using a Venn diagram.
The LCM is equal to the product of all the numbers on the diagram.