LCM( 60, 36, 72 ) = 360
Step 1 : Place the numbers inside division bar:
60 | 36 | 72 |
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 | 60 | 36 | 72 |
30 | 18 | 36 |
Step 3 : Repeat Step 2 until you can no longer divide.
2 | 60 | 36 | 72 |
2 | 30 | 18 | 36 |
15 | 9 | 18 |
2 | 60 | 36 | 72 |
2 | 30 | 18 | 36 |
3 | 15 | 9 | 18 |
5 | 3 | 6 |
2 | 60 | 36 | 72 |
2 | 30 | 18 | 36 |
3 | 15 | 9 | 18 |
3 | 5 | 3 | 6 |
5 | 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 = 60 · 36 · 72 = 360
This solution can be visualized using a Venn diagram.
The LCM is equal to the product of all the numbers on the diagram.