LCM( 18, 24, 36 ) = 72
Step 1 : Place the numbers inside division bar:
18 | 24 | 36 |
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 | 18 | 24 | 36 |
9 | 12 | 18 |
Step 3 : Repeat Step 2 until you can no longer divide.
2 | 18 | 24 | 36 |
2 | 9 | 12 | 18 |
9 | 6 | 9 |
2 | 18 | 24 | 36 |
2 | 9 | 12 | 18 |
3 | 9 | 6 | 9 |
3 | 2 | 3 |
2 | 18 | 24 | 36 |
2 | 9 | 12 | 18 |
3 | 9 | 6 | 9 |
3 | 3 | 2 | 3 |
1 | 2 | 1 |
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 = 18 · 24 · 36 = 72
This solution can be visualized using a Venn diagram.
The LCM is equal to the product of all the numbers on the diagram.