LCM( 72, 108, 180 ) = 1080
Step 1 : Place the numbers inside division bar:
72 | 108 | 180 |
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 | 72 | 108 | 180 |
36 | 54 | 90 |
Step 3 : Repeat Step 2 until you can no longer divide.
2 | 72 | 108 | 180 |
2 | 36 | 54 | 90 |
18 | 27 | 45 |
2 | 72 | 108 | 180 |
2 | 36 | 54 | 90 |
3 | 18 | 27 | 45 |
6 | 9 | 15 |
2 | 72 | 108 | 180 |
2 | 36 | 54 | 90 |
3 | 18 | 27 | 45 |
3 | 6 | 9 | 15 |
2 | 3 | 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 = 72 · 108 · 180 = 1080
This solution can be visualized using a Venn diagram.
The LCM is equal to the product of all the numbers on the diagram.