LCM( 35, 80, 72 ) = 5040
Step 1 : Place the numbers inside division bar:
35 | 80 | 72 |
Step 2 : Find a prime number which can divide at least two of your numbers.
In this example we can divide by 5. If any number is not divisible by 5 write it down unchanged.
5 | 35 | 80 | 72 |
7 | 16 | 72 |
Step 3 : Repeat Step 2 until you can no longer divide.
5 | 35 | 80 | 72 |
2 | 7 | 16 | 72 |
7 | 8 | 36 |
5 | 35 | 80 | 72 |
2 | 7 | 16 | 72 |
2 | 7 | 8 | 36 |
7 | 4 | 18 |
5 | 35 | 80 | 72 |
2 | 7 | 16 | 72 |
2 | 7 | 8 | 36 |
2 | 7 | 4 | 18 |
7 | 2 | 9 |
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 = 35 · 80 · 72 = 5040
This solution can be visualized using a Venn diagram.
The LCM is equal to the product of all the numbers on the diagram.