LCM( 3, 4, 6 ) = 12
Step 1 : Place the numbers inside division bar:
3 | 4 | 6 |
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 | 3 | 4 | 6 |
1 | 4 | 2 |
Step 3 : Repeat Step 2 until you can no longer divide.
3 | 3 | 4 | 6 |
2 | 1 | 4 | 2 |
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 = 3 · 4 · 6 = 12
This solution can be visualized using a Venn diagram.
The LCM is equal to the product of all the numbers on the diagram.