• About
  • Contact
  • Cookie
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Change the purpose of use

Tnhelearning.edu.vn - Various useful general information portal

  • Photo
  • Bio
  • How To
  • Tech

How to Find the Least Common Multiple of Two Numbers

January 25, 2024 by admin Category: How To

You are viewing the article How to Find the Least Common Multiple of Two Numbers  at Tnhelearning.edu.vn you can quickly access the necessary information in the table of contents of the article below.

X

This article is co-authored by a team of editors and trained researchers who confirm the accuracy and completeness of the article.

The wikiHow Content Management team carefully monitors the work of editors to ensure that every article is up to a high standard of quality.

There are 10 references cited in this article that you can view at the bottom of the page.

This article has been viewed 15,513 times.

Multiple is the product of a number with an integer. The least common multiple of a group of numbers is the smallest number that is divisible by all of them. To find the least common multiple, you need to determine the factor of each number. There are several different methods of finding the least common multiple, and they also work for three or more numbers.

Table of Contents

  • Steps
    • List multiples
    • Factoring out primes
    • Use the grid or ladder method
    • Using Euclidean algorithm
  • Advice

Steps

List multiples

Image titled Find the Least Common Multiple of Two Numbers Step 1

Image titled Find the Least Common Multiple of Two Numbers Step 1

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/3/36/Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-1-Version-4.jpg/ v4-728px-Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-1-Version-4.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/ 3/36/Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-1-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers- Step-1-Version-4.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output “></div>”}
Review your numbers. This method is suitable for cases where two numbers need to find a common multiple less than 10. For larger numbers, you should use another method.

  • Take for example the problem of finding the least common multiple of 5 and 8. Since both numbers are small, it is well suited to use this method.
Image titled Find the Least Common Multiple of Two Numbers Step 2

Image titled Find the Least Common Multiple of Two Numbers Step 2

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/f/fa/Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-2-Version-4.jpg/ v4-728px-Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-2-Version-4.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/ f/fa/Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-2-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers- Step-2-Version-4.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output “></div>”}
List the first few multiples of the first number. Multiple is the product of a number with an integer. [1] X Research Sources In other words, they are numbers that appear in your times table.

  • For example, the first multiples of 5 are 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40, respectively.
Image titled Find the Least Common Multiple of Two Numbers Step 3

Image titled Find the Least Common Multiple of Two Numbers Step 3

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/6/65/Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-3-Version-2.jpg/ v4-728px-Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-3-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/ 6/65/Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-3-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers- Step-3-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output “></div>”}
List the first few multiples of the second number. You should write near the list of multiples of the first number for easy comparison.

  • For example, the first multiples of 8 include 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48, 56, and 64.
Image titled Find the Least Common Multiple of Two Numbers Step 4

Image titled Find the Least Common Multiple of Two Numbers Step 4

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/8/89/Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-4-Version-4.jpg/ v4-728px-Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-4-Version-4.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/ 8/89/Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-4-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers- Step-4-Version-4.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output “></div>”}
Find the least common multiple of the numbers above. You will probably have to write more to the list of multiples until you find a number that is both a multiple of one and a multiple of another. That is your least common multiple. [2] X Research Source

  • For example, 40 is the smallest number that satisfies the condition that it is both a multiple of 5 and a multiple of 8, so the least common multiple of 5 and 8 is 40.

Factoring out primes

Image titled Find the Least Common Multiple of Two Numbers Step 5

Image titled Find the Least Common Multiple of Two Numbers Step 5

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/3/37/Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-5-Version-4.jpg/ v4-728px-Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-5-Version-4.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/ 3/37/Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-5-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers- Step-5-Version-4.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output “></div>”}
Consider your numbers. This method is suitable for numbers greater than 10. For smaller numbers, you can use another method to find the least common multiple more quickly.

  • For example, to find the least common multiple of 20 and 84, you should use this method.
Image titled Find the Least Common Multiple of Two Numbers Step 6

Image titled Find the Least Common Multiple of Two Numbers Step 6

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/a/af/Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-6-Version-4.jpg/ v4-728px-Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-6-Version-4.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/ a/af/Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-6-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers- Step-6-Version-4.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output “></div>”}
Analyze the first number. Here we will decompose this number into prime factors, that is, find prime numbers whose product is equal to the given number. To do that, we can use tree diagrams. After the analysis is complete, we will rewrite it as an equation.

  • For example: 2×ten=20{displaystyle mathbf {2} times 10=20}{mathbf {2}}times 10=20 and 2×5=ten{displaystyle mathbf {2} times mathbf {5} =10}{mathbf {2}}times {mathbf {5}}=10 , so the prime factors of 20 are 2, 2 and 5. Rewritten as an equation, we have: 20=2×2×5{displaystyle 20=2times 2times 5}20=2times 2times 5 .
READ More:   How to Live to the fullest
Image titled Find the Least Common Multiple of Two Numbers Step 7

Image titled Find the Least Common Multiple of Two Numbers Step 7

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/8/8e/Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-7-Version-4.jpg/ v4-728px-Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-7-Version-4.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/ 8/8e/Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-7-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers- Step-7-Version-4.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output “></div>”}
Analyze the second number. As with the first number, we find the prime factors whose product is equal to the second.

  • For example: 2×42=84{displaystyle mathbf {2} times 42=84}{mathbf {2}}times 42=84 , 7×6=42{displaystyle mathbf {7} times 6=42}{mathbf {7}}times 6=42 , and 3×2=6{displaystyle mathbf {3} times mathbf {2} =6}{mathbf {3}}times {mathbf {2}}=6 , so the prime factors of 84 are 2, 7, 3, and 2. Rewrite we get84=2×7×3×2{displaystyle 84=2times 7times 3times 2}84=2times 7times 3times 2 .
Image titled Find the Least Common Multiple of Two Numbers Step 8

Image titled Find the Least Common Multiple of Two Numbers Step 8

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/7/7e/Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-8-Version-4.jpg/ v4-728px-Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-8-Version-4.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/ 7/7e/Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-8-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers- Step-8-Version-4.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output “></div>”}
Write down the common factors. Multiply common factors. Cross out each common factor in the analytic equation to prime each time it is drawn.

  • For example, both numbers have a factor of 2, so we write 2×{displaystyle 2times }2times and cross out a 2 in both factoring equations.
  • Both numbers also share another factor of 2, so we’ll add 2×2{displaystyle 2times 2}2times 2 and cross out the second factor of 2 in each of the original analytical equations.
Image titled Find the Least Common Multiple of Two Numbers Step 9

Image titled Find the Least Common Multiple of Two Numbers Step 9

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/c/c4/Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-9-Version-4.jpg/ v4-728px-Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-9-Version-4.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/ c/c4/Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-9-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers- Step-9-Version-4.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output “></div>”}
Add all remaining factors to the multiplication. Those are the factors that are not crossed out after you have compared the two groups of factors. They are unshared factors. [3] X Research Sources

  • For example in the equation 20=2×2×5{displaystyle 20=2times 2times 5}20=2times 2times 5 , we crossed out both 2s because they are also in the other. And since there’s 5 left, we’ll add in the multiplication: 2×2×5{displaystyle 2times 2times 5}2times 2times 5 .
  • In the equation84=2×7×3×2{displaystyle 84=2times 7times 3times 2}84=2times 7times 3times 2 , we also crossed out both 2s. With 7 and 3 left, we’ll add in the multiplication: 2×2×5×7×3{displaystyle 2times 2times 5times 7times 3}2times 2times 5times 7times 3 .
Image titled Find the Least Common Multiple of Two Numbers Step 10

Image titled Find the Least Common Multiple of Two Numbers Step 10

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/f/f2/Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-10-Version-4.jpg/ v4-728px-Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-10-Version-4.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/ f/f2/Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-10-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers- Step-10-Version-4.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output “></div>”}
Calculate the least common multiple. To do that, we just need to multiply the numbers in the multiplication we just made.

  • For example: 2×2×5×7×3=420{displaystyle 2times 2times 5times 7times 3=420}2times 2times 5times 7times 3=420 . So the least common multiple of 20 and 84 is 420.

Use the grid or ladder method

Image titled Find the Least Common Multiple of Two Numbers Step 11

Image titled Find the Least Common Multiple of Two Numbers Step 11

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/b/be/Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-11-Version-3.jpg/ v4-728px-Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-11-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/ b/be/Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-11-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers- Step-11-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output “></div>”}
Draw a checkered grid. The checkered grid consists of two sets of parallel lines perpendicular to each other. They form three columns and look like the pound sign (#) on a phone or keyboard. Write the first number in the top, center box. Write the second number in the top right box. [4] X Research Sources

  • For example, for the problem of finding the least common multiple of 18 and 30, we write 18 in the upper position, in the center of the grid and 30 in the upper right.
Image titled Find the Least Common Multiple of Two Numbers Step 12

Image titled Find the Least Common Multiple of Two Numbers Step 12

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/b/b5/Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-12-Version-4.jpg/ v4-728px-Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-12-Version-4.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/ b/b5/Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-12-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers- Step-12-Version-4.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output “></div>”}
Find some common factor of both numbers. Write this number in the top left box. Although not required, it is better if the factor is a prime factor.

  • In the example problem, since 18 and 30 are even, 2 is their common factor. Therefore, we will write 2 in the upper left cell of the grid.
READ More:   How to Make Fairy Wings
Image titled Find the Least Common Multiple of Two Numbers Step 13

Image titled Find the Least Common Multiple of Two Numbers Step 13

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/1/18/Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-13-Version-2.jpg/ v4-728px-Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-13-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/ 1/18/Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-13-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers- Step-13-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output “></div>”}
Divide each number by the factor you just found and write the quotient in the box below. The quotient is the result of division.

  • Because 18÷2=9{displaystyle 18div 2=9}18div 2=9 so 9 will be written under 18.
  • 30÷2=15{displaystyle 30div 2=15}30div 2=15 , so 15 is written under 30.
Image titled Find the Least Common Multiple of Two Numbers Step 14

Image titled Find the Least Common Multiple of Two Numbers Step 14

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/2/28/Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-14-Version-4.jpg/ v4-728px-Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-14-Version-4.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/ 2/28/Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-14-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers- Step-14-Version-4.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output “></div>”}
Find the common factor of the two quotients. If there are no more common factors, you can skip and go to the next step. If there is a common factor, we write it in the middle left cell of the grid.

  • For example, 9 and 15 are both divisible by 3, so we will write 3 in the middle left cell of the grid.
Image titled Find the Least Common Multiple of Two Numbers Step 15

Image titled Find the Least Common Multiple of Two Numbers Step 15

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/0/0b/Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-15-Version-4.jpg/ v4-728px-Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-15-Version-4.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/ 0/0b/Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-15-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers- Step-15-Version-4.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output “></div>”}
Divide the quotient by this common factor. Write a new spear below the head injury.

  • 9÷3=3{displaystyle 9div 3=3}9div 3=3 so 3 will be written below 9.
  • 15÷3=5{displaystyle 15div 3=5}15div 3=5 so 5 will be written below 15.
Image titled Find the Least Common Multiple of Two Numbers Step 16

Image titled Find the Least Common Multiple of Two Numbers Step 16

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/9/9b/Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-16-Version-3.jpg/ v4-728px-Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-16-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/ 9/9b/Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-16-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers- Step-16-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output “></div>”}
Expand the grid if needed. Continue in this way until the two quotients have no common factor.
Image titled Find the Least Common Multiple of Two Numbers Step 17

Image titled Find the Least Common Multiple of Two Numbers Step 17

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/9/9f/Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-17.jpg/v4-728px- Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-17.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/9f/Find-the- Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-17.jpg/v4-728px-Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-17.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}
Circle the numbers on the first and last columns of the grid, forming an “L”. Set to multiply all these factors. [5] X Research Sources

  • For example, since 2 and 3 are in the first column and 3 and 5 are in the last row, we have 2×3×3×5{displaystyle 2times 3times 3times 5}2times 3times 3times 5 .
Image titled Find the Least Common Multiple of Two Numbers Step 18

Image titled Find the Least Common Multiple of Two Numbers Step 18

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/f/f4/Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-18.jpg/v4-728px- Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-18.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/f/f4/Find-the- Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-18.jpg/v4-728px-Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-18.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}
Complete the multiplication. When we multiply these numbers together, we get the least common multiple of the two given numbers. [6] X Research Source

  • Eg2×3×3×5=90{displaystyle 2times 3times 3times 5=90}2times 3times 3times 5=90 . Therefore, 90 is the least common multiple of 18 and 30.

Using Euclidean algorithm

Image titled Find the Least Common Multiple of Two Numbers Step 19

Image titled Find the Least Common Multiple of Two Numbers Step 19

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/6/69/Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-19.jpg/v4-728px- Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-19.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/6/69/Find-the- Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-19.jpg/v4-728px-Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-19.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}
Understand the terminology used in division. The divisor is the number given to be divided. The divisor is the number by which the divisor is divided. The quotient is the answer to division. The remainder is the remainder after the division is completed. [7] X Research Sources

  • For example in the equation 15÷6=2{displaystyle 15div 6=2}15div 6=2 residual 3{displaystyle 3}3 :
    15 is the divisor
    6 is divisor
    2 is lovable
    3 is the balance.
Image titled Find the Least Common Multiple of Two Numbers Step 20

Image titled Find the Least Common Multiple of Two Numbers Step 20

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/9/9a/Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-20.jpg/v4-728px- Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-20.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/9a/Find-the- Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-20.jpg/v4-728px-Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-20.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}
Set up the quotient-residual formula. That is: divisor = divisor x quotient + remainder. [8] X Research Source You will use it to set up the Euclidean algorithm to find the greatest common divisor of two given numbers.

  • Eg 15=6×2+3{displaystyle 15=6times 2+3}15=6times 2+3 .
  • The greatest common divisor is the divisor, or greatest factor, of both numbers. [9] X Research Source
  • In this method, we will first find the greatest common divisor and then use it to find the least common multiple.
Image titled Find the Least Common Multiple of Two Numbers Step 21

Image titled Find the Least Common Multiple of Two Numbers Step 21

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/d/d0/Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-21.jpg/v4-728px- Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-21.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/d0/Find-the- Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-21.jpg/v4-728px-Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-21.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}
Take the larger number as the divisor and the smaller number as the divisor. Set up a quotient-remainder equation for these two numbers.

  • For example, for the problem of finding the least common multiple of 210 and 45, we will calculate 210=45×4+30{displaystyle 210=45times 4+30}210=45times 4+30 .
READ More:   How to Make Friends Online
Image titled Find the Least Common Multiple of Two Numbers Step 22

Image titled Find the Least Common Multiple of Two Numbers Step 22

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/e/e3/Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-22.jpg/v4-728px- Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-22.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/e/e3/Find-the- Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-22.jpg/v4-728px-Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-22.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}
Take the original divisor as the new divisor, and the initial remainder as the new divisor. Set up a quotient-remainder equation for these two numbers.

  • For example: 45=30×2+15{displaystyle 45=30times 2+15}45=30times 2+15 .
Image titled Find the Least Common Multiple of Two Numbers Step 23

Image titled Find the Least Common Multiple of Two Numbers Step 23

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/6/6d/Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-23.jpg/v4-728px- Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-23.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/6/6d/Find-the- Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-23.jpg/v4-728px-Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-23.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}
Repeat until the remainder is zero. For each new equation, we use the divisor of the previous equation as the divisor and the previous remainder as the divisor. [10] X Research Source

  • For example:30=15×2+0{displaystyle 30=15times 2+0}30=15times 2+0 . Since the remainder is zero, we will stop here.
Image titled Find the Least Common Multiple of Two Numbers Step 24

Image titled Find the Least Common Multiple of Two Numbers Step 24

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/9/9a/Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-24.jpg/v4-728px- Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-24.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/9a/Find-the- Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-24.jpg/v4-728px-Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-24.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}
Look at the final divisor. This is the greatest common divisor of the two original numbers. [11] X Research Source

  • In the example problem, since the last equation is30=15×2+0{displaystyle 30=15times 2+0}30=15times 2+0 and the last divisor is 15 so 15 is the greatest common divisor of 210 and 45.
  • Image titled Find the Least Common Multiple of Two Numbers Step 25

    Image titled Find the Least Common Multiple of Two Numbers Step 25

    {“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/a/a8/Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-25.jpg/v4-728px- Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-25.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/a/a8/Find-the- Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-25.jpg/v4-728px-Find-the-Least-Common-Multiple-of-Two-Numbers-Step-25.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460 ,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}
    Multiply two numbers. Divide the product by their greatest common divisor. The result obtained is the least common multiple of the two given numbers. [12] X Research Source

    • For example: 210×45=9450{displaystyle 210times 45=9450}210times 45=9450 . Divide by the greatest common divisor, we get: 945015=630{displaystyle {frac {9450}{15}}=630}{frac {9450}{15}}=630 . So 630 is the least common multiple of 210 and 45.
  • Advice

    • To find the least common multiple of three or more numbers, we can modify the above methods slightly. For example, to find the least common multiple of 16, 20 and 32, you can find the least common multiple of 16 and 20 first (which is 80), and then find the least common multiple of 80 and 32 to get the result. the last is 160.
    • The least common multiple is frequently used. The most common is in the addition and subtraction of fractions: the fractions must have the same denominator, and therefore, if they have different denominators, you will have to reduce the denominator to perform the calculation. The best way is to find the least common denominator – which is the least common multiple of the denominators.
    X

    This article is co-authored by a team of editors and trained researchers who confirm the accuracy and completeness of the article.

    The wikiHow Content Management team carefully monitors the work of editors to ensure that every article is up to a high standard of quality.

    There are 10 references cited in this article that you can view at the bottom of the page.

    This article has been viewed 15,513 times.

    Multiple is the product of a number with an integer. The least common multiple of a group of numbers is the smallest number that is divisible by all of them. To find the least common multiple, you need to determine the factor of each number. There are several different methods of finding the least common multiple, and they also work for three or more numbers.

    Thank you for reading this post How to Find the Least Common Multiple of Two Numbers at Tnhelearning.edu.vn You can comment, see more related articles below and hope to help you with interesting information.

    Related Search:

    Related Posts

    How to Create Curved Text in Photoshop
    How to fall asleep faster
    How to Install FBReader to Read eBooks

    Category: How To

    Previous Post: « How to make three delicious salted duck seeds, eat very well to catch rice
    Next Post: How to make iced smoothie with matcha coconut nuggets with a very delicious blender »

    Copyright © 2025 · Tnhelearning.edu.vn - Useful Knowledge