LCM( 42, 96 ) = 672
Step 1 : Place the numbers inside division bar:
42 | 96 |
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 | 42 | 96 |
21 | 48 |
Step 3 : Repeat Step 2 until you can no longer divide.
2 | 42 | 96 |
3 | 21 | 48 |
7 | 16 |
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 = 42 · 96 = 672
This solution can be visualized using a Venn diagram.
The LCM is equal to the product of all the numbers on the diagram.