LCM( 20, 24, 32 ) = 480
Step 1 : Place the numbers inside division bar:
20 | 24 | 32 |
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 | 20 | 24 | 32 |
10 | 12 | 16 |
Step 3 : Repeat Step 2 until you can no longer divide.
2 | 20 | 24 | 32 |
2 | 10 | 12 | 16 |
5 | 6 | 8 |
2 | 20 | 24 | 32 |
2 | 10 | 12 | 16 |
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 = 20 · 24 · 32 = 480
This solution can be visualized using a Venn diagram.
The LCM is equal to the product of all the numbers on the diagram.