LCM( 27, 14, 21 ) = 378
Step 1 : Place the numbers inside division bar:
27 | 14 | 21 |
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 | 27 | 14 | 21 |
9 | 14 | 7 |
Step 3 : Repeat Step 2 until you can no longer divide.
3 | 27 | 14 | 21 |
7 | 9 | 14 | 7 |
9 | 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 = 27 · 14 · 21 = 378
This solution can be visualized using a Venn diagram.
The LCM is equal to the product of all the numbers on the diagram.