What is the full form of LCM?

LCM stands for least common multiple but it is not enough to understand what is LCM in actuality and where it can be used?

We have many basic terms that are used in mathematics and we can say that LCM is one of them and it is important to be known.

Some people find it difficult to calculate LCM on their own, so they can go for calculators then.

Calculators are not only used to find out LCM but you can also use them for HCF or LCD as well but the condition is you must have an advanced calculator.

But first of all, let’s get towards the basics of LCM.

What is LCM?

As we mentioned above that the full form of LCM is the least common multiple and it means a number that is positive and can be divisible by every number given.

LCM can be explained by different examples:

Let’s take an example of two numbers 16 and 20, the LCM will be 2x2x2x2x5=80 where 80 can be the least common multiple.

We have hundreds of examples available when it comes to the LCM.

LCM Vs. HCF

In the mathematical sector, many terms can be used frequently and HCF is one of them.

As we all know that whenever we are talking about LCM, we always heard about HCF which stands for the highest common factor.

LCM refers to the minimum number but HCF is termed as the highest common factor from which every given value can be divided.

Mathematics is all about examples and we need them to understand a mathematical problem so, here is an example.

Let’s take 4 digits that are 2, 4, 6, 8, and now, it is quite obvious that the HCF is 2 because all the numbers are divisible.

Methods of finding LCM

Some methods can be used to find the LCM of a number.

But it depends upon some things like the value is bigger or smaller and many more things so, we are going to discuss these methods in detail.

1. Multiple of a number

If you are going to solve larger numbers then this approach is best but the question is what is this method in actuality.

When we are going to use multiple numbers, we use prime numbers to solve this question. You can also use the lcm calculator with steps.

Again, we need an example to explain so, here it is:

If we want to take the LCM of 20 then we need to convert them into dividends like the dividends of 20 is 2x2x5.

In this way, you can take LCM of any number using this method. But there are many more methods and you can have a look at them.

We are going to explain them down and the details will be very clear and accurate so, you can trust them and you can give a try to each method.

1. Division method

The division method is very simple and you also need prime factors in this method but the working of this method is a bit different.

If you are a not that good in mathematics then you can go for a least common multiple calculator.

Here we have an example that can explain this method very clearly.

You need to get the numbers that can be divisible by the given number like you got 2.

Then you must divide the given number by 2 for example 20 is the given number and now you need to divide 20 by 2

20/2 and you’ll get 10 now, you must put 10 as the denominator.

This process must be done repeatedly to find out the least common multiple and it is very easy, all you need is to divide the numbers and you’ll get your least common multiple.

Examples of LCM

As we mentioned above that mathematics is all about examples so, here we have many examples that are easy to understand.

Example 1

We took two numbers that are 2 and 3, we need to take out the multiples of these two numbers.

Here we have the multiples of 2: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20

Now, let’s take out the multiples of 3: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24

We can say that 6 is the least common multiple of 2 and 3.

Example 2

Example 2 is similar to the first one but we took three numbers now that are 20, 28, and 25

Here is the prime factorization of these three numbers:

Prime factorization of 20 is: 2x2x5

Prime factorization of 28 is: 2x2x7

Prime factorization of 25 is: 5×5

We can say that 2 appears two times so, we must take 2×2 in the 20 and 28 and when it comes to 25, we have 5×5.

Then we have 7 so, get these all together and we’ll get:

2x2x5x5x7 and the least common multiple is 700.

Why LCM is important?

It is not wrong if we say that every term in mathematics is important so, LCM is also very important and must be known by every student.

We can say that the concept of LCM is very simple and you don’t need to be obsessed over things.

Some people have a point of view that LCM cannot be used in daily life but it is not true. We have some real-life examples in which LCM is used.

Traffic light problems use LCM for calculation and the problems related to racing tracks are also solved by using LCM.

Bottom line

Mathematical problems are sometimes hard to solve without having a tool or calculator but many terms can be solved without having any calculator.

Using a calculator is very beneficial because it assures the accuracy and effectiveness that everyone cannot have manually.

We are living in a modern era where we have a variety of tools that can facilitate us regarding all mathematical problems.

And we also discussed all the important things about the LCM. Now, you can get the complete concept just by reading this guide.

We also discussed some of the examples that help make the concepts clear.