LCM( 3, 14 ) = 42
Step 1: Write down factorisation of each number:
3 = 3
14 = 2 · 7
Step 2 : Match primes vertically:
3 | = | 3 | ||||
14 | = | 2 | · | 7 |
Step 3 : Bring down numbers in each column and multiply to get LCM:
3 | = | 3 | ||||||
14 | = | 2 | · | 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.