LCM( 16, 24 ) = 48
Step 1 : Place the numbers inside division bar:
16 | 24 |
Step 2 : Find a prime number which divides both numbers.
In this example we can divide by 2. If any number is not divisible by 2 write it down unchanged.
2 | 16 | 24 |
8 | 12 |
Step 3 : Repeat Step 2 until you can no longer divide.
2 | 16 | 24 |
2 | 8 | 12 |
4 | 6 |
2 | 16 | 24 |
2 | 8 | 12 |
2 | 4 | 6 |
2 | 3 |
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 = 16 · 24 = 48
This solution can be visualized using a Venn diagram.
The LCM is equal to the product of all the numbers on the diagram.