Question
Find Least Common Multiple of 15, 18 and 24 using ladder method..
Answer
LCM( 15, 18, 24 ) = 360
Explanation
Step 1 : Place the numbers inside division bar:
| 15 | 18 | 24 |
Step 2 : Find a prime number which can divide at least two of your numbers.
In this example we can divide by 3. If any number is not divisible by 3 write it down unchanged.
| 3 | 15 | 18 | 24 |
| 5 | 6 | 8 |
Step 3 : Repeat Step 2 until you can no longer divide.
| 3 | 15 | 18 | 24 |
| 2 | 5 | 6 | 8 |
| 5 | 3 | 4 |
Since there are no primes that divides at least two of given numbers, we conclude that the LCM is a product of starting numbers.
LCM = 15 · 18 · 24 = 360
This solution can be visualized using a Venn diagram.
0,0
15
18
24
3
2
5
3
2
2
The LCM is equal to the product of all the numbers on the diagram.
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