LCM( 4, 2, 8 ) = 8
Step 1 : Place the numbers inside division bar:
4 | 2 | 8 |
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 | 4 | 2 | 8 |
2 | 1 | 4 |
Step 3 : Repeat Step 2 until you can no longer divide.
2 | 4 | 2 | 8 |
2 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
1 | 1 | 2 |
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 = 4 · 2 · 8 = 8
This solution can be visualized using a Venn diagram.
The LCM is equal to the product of all the numbers on the diagram.