LCM( 16, 36, 40 ) = 720
Step 1 : Place the numbers inside division bar:
16 | 36 | 40 |
Step 2 : Find a prime number which can divide at least two of your numbers.
In this example we can divide by 2. If any number is not divisible by 2 write it down unchanged.
2 | 16 | 36 | 40 |
8 | 18 | 20 |
Step 3 : Repeat Step 2 until you can no longer divide.
2 | 16 | 36 | 40 |
2 | 8 | 18 | 20 |
4 | 9 | 10 |
2 | 16 | 36 | 40 |
2 | 8 | 18 | 20 |
2 | 4 | 9 | 10 |
2 | 9 | 5 |
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 · 36 · 40 = 720
This solution can be visualized using a Venn diagram.
The LCM is equal to the product of all the numbers on the diagram.