LCM( 6, 15, 40 ) = 120
Step 1 : Place the numbers inside division bar:
6 | 15 | 40 |
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 | 6 | 15 | 40 |
3 | 15 | 20 |
Step 3 : Repeat Step 2 until you can no longer divide.
2 | 6 | 15 | 40 |
3 | 3 | 15 | 20 |
1 | 5 | 20 |
2 | 6 | 15 | 40 |
3 | 3 | 15 | 20 |
5 | 1 | 5 | 20 |
1 | 1 | 4 |
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 = 6 · 15 · 40 = 120
This solution can be visualized using a Venn diagram.
The LCM is equal to the product of all the numbers on the diagram.