LCM( 2, 3, 7 ) = 42
Step 1: Write down factorisation of each number:
2 = 2
3 = 3
7 = 7
Step 2 : Match primes vertically:
2 | = | 2 | ||||
3 | = | 3 | ||||
7 | = | 7 |
Step 3 : Bring down numbers in each column and multiply to get LCM:
2 | = | 2 | ||||||
3 | = | 3 | ||||||
7 | = | 7 | ||||||
LCM | = | 2 | · | 3 | · | 7 | = | 42 |
This solution can be visualized using a Venn diagram.
The LCM is equal to the product of all the numbers on the diagram.