For a given set of numbers, the least common multiple (LCM) is the smallest number each divides into with no remainder.
Like Comparison
When presented with fractions of differing denominators, finding the LCM will allow you to compare like terms. For example, 3/8 and 5/12 are fractions with similar values and different terms. To find the LCM, express each denominator as a product of prime number powers.
Multiply the highest power of each prime factor to find the LCM.
With this,
presenting a clearer numerical comparison.
Common Multiple
Another way to find the LCM is to simply find any common multiple, then divide by prime factors to find the smallest multiple. For 24 and 26 we find
By dividing 624 by 2, the only common prime factor, we get 312 as an LCM.
Practical Use
Like terms are important for any quantified comparison. Different quantities of different goods are shipped on identical vehicles because vehicles are built to carry many unique objects. Ships are an LCM for overseas bulk transport, just as an economy car is the LCM for localized human transport.
Watch the video below for an example on how to find LCM as well as GCF using the Ladder Method:
References
About the Author
Danny Furman has been writing since 2009 as a financial blogger for the website Seeking Alpha, His work has also appeared at BullFax.com, TheStreet, MarketWatch, WallStNation, among other finance websites. He writes on topics such as global monetary policy, macro social trends and international stock picks. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in economics from the University of California-Davis.