SME
Grade 6 Math · Problem type
Least common multiple
Use this for “What is the least common multiple of 6 and 9?”
Diagram
Multiples of 6: 6, 12, 18, 24.
Multiples of 8: 8, 16, 24.
Both reach 24 first.
0, 6, 12, 18, 24
First number: 6
Least common multiple: 24
This is an example. Type your own values to start a new problem.
The
least
common
multiple
of
a
and
b
is
l
Formulas
least common multiple of 6 and 8: 24
First number in both lists of multiples = least common multiple
Assumptions
•
A multiple is the number times 1, 2, 3 and so on.
•
The least common multiple is the first number in both lists.
•
Whole numbers from 1 to 12.
Step-by-step
WE KNOW
First number: 6
Second number: 8
FIND
least common multiple
Step 1 · Find least common multiple
least common multiple of 6 and 8: ?
First number in both lists of multiples = least common multiple
Count by each number. The first number in both lists is the LCM.
Multiples of 6: 6, 12, 18, 24
Multiples of 8: 8, 16, 24
Least common multiple = 24
Check
Put the numbers back in. Both sides should match.
least common multiple of 6 and 8: 24 ✓
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