LCM( 40, 100 ) = 200
Step 1 : Place the numbers inside division bar:
40 | 100 |
Step 2 : Find a prime number which divides both numbers.
In this example we can divide by 2. If any number is not divisible by 2 write it down unchanged.
2 | 40 | 100 |
20 | 50 |
Step 3 : Repeat Step 2 until you can no longer divide.
2 | 40 | 100 |
2 | 20 | 50 |
10 | 25 |
2 | 40 | 100 |
2 | 20 | 50 |
5 | 10 | 25 |
2 | 5 |
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 = 40 · 100 = 200
This solution can be visualized using a Venn diagram.
The LCM is equal to the product of all the numbers on the diagram.