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Last updated on May 26th, 2025

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LCM of 12 and 15

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LCM is a common multiple, the smallest value between the numbers 12 and 15. Did you know? We apply LCM unknowingly in everyday situations like setting alarms and to synchronize traffic lights and when making music.

LCM of 12 and 15 for UAE Students
Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

What is the LCM of 12 and 15?

The LCM of 12 and 15 is 60. We can find the LCM using the Listing multiples method, the prime factorization method and the long division method. These are explained below. 
 

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LCM of 12 and 15 Using Listing the Multiples

Step1; Write down the multiples of the numbers. Don’t stop too early.


12 = 12,24,48,60 …


15 = 15,60,45,60,75,…


 Step 2: Find the smallest number common between the written multiples of 12 and 15 


      — The smallest common multiple is 60.


Thus, LCM(12,15) = 60
 

Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

LCM of 12 and 15 Using Prime Factorization

Step 1— factorize the numbers into its prime factors 


12 =2×2×3


15 =5×3


Step 2— find the highest powers of the factors of 12 and 15


Step 3— Multiply the highest powers 


LCM(12,15) = 60
 

Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

LCM of 12 and 15 Using Division Method

  • Write the numbers 12, 15 in a row 

 

  • Divide them by their common prime factors, if there is one

 

  • Carry forward the numbers that are left undivided by the previously chosen factor

 

  • Continue dividing until the remainder is ‘1’ 

 

  • Multiply the divisors to find the LCM

 

  • LCM(12,15) = 60 
     
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Common Mistakes and how to avoid them while finding the LCM of 12 and 15

Listed here are a few mistakes that one can commit when trying to find the LCM of the numbers 12 and 15. Try to avoid them. 
 

Mistake 1

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Listing incorrect multiples 
 

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 If the LCM of given numbers is 60, double-check that the number appears on the list of both 12 and 15.  

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LCM of 12 and 15 Examples

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Problem 1

The GCF of two numbers is 3, and one of the numbers is 12. If the LCM of the two numbers is 60, find the missing number.

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Using the formula LCM(a,b)×GCF(a,b)=a×b:


60×3=12×Missing Number


180=12×Missing Number


Missing Number=180/12=15
 

Explanation

The missing number is 15.
 

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Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 2

Find the ratio of the GCF to the LCM of 12 and 15.

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GCF of 12 and 15 = 3 (from Problem 3)


LCM of 12 and 15 = 60 (from Problem 1)


Ratio = GCF/LCM=3/60=1/20
 

Explanation

The ratio of the GCD to the LCM is 1:20.
 

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Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 3

Add the fractions 5/12 and 7/15 by finding the LCM of the denominators.

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Answer: 5/12+7/15=53/60
 

Explanation

LCM of 12 and 15 = 60


Convert to common denominator:


5/12=5×5/60=25/60


7/15=7×4/60=28/60​


Sum: 25/60+28/60=53/60
 

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FAQs on LCM of 12 and 15

1.What is the LCM of 5,15 and 20?

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2.What is the HCF of 5 and 20?

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3. Is 20 a multiple of 5?

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4. Is 0 a multiple of 5?

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5.What is the LCM of 17 and 11?

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6.How can children in United Arab Emirates use numbers in everyday life to understand LCM of 12 and 15?

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7.What are some fun ways kids in United Arab Emirates can practice LCM of 12 and 15 with numbers?

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8.What role do numbers and LCM of 12 and 15 play in helping children in United Arab Emirates develop problem-solving skills?

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9.How can families in United Arab Emirates create number-rich environments to improve LCM of 12 and 15 skills?

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Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Important glossaries on the LCM of 12 and 15

  • Multiple — product of a number and a natural integer 

 

  • Prime factor — number one gets after prime factorization any given number 

 

  • Prime factorization — the process of breaking the number into its prime factors
Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

About BrightChamps in United Arab Emirates

At BrightChamps, we see numbers as more than digits—they are keys to limitless opportunities! Our goal is to help children across the UAE develop essential math skills, focusing today on the LCM of 12 and 15 with a special focus on understanding the LCM—in a way that’s fun, engaging, and easy to learn. Whether your child is calculating the speed of a roller coaster at Dubai Parks and Resorts, tracking scores at local football matches, or managing allowance for gadgets, mastering numbers gives them confidence in everyday challenges. Our interactive lessons make learning enjoyable and straightforward. Because kids in the UAE have different learning styles, we customize our teaching to fit each child. From Dubai’s towering skyscrapers to Abu Dhabi’s cultural heritage, BrightChamps brings math to life, making the LCM an exciting part of every child’s journey!
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Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana

About the Author

Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana has almost two years of teaching experience. She is a number ninja as she loves numbers. Her interest in numbers can be seen in the way she cracks math puzzles and hidden patterns.

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Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Fun Fact

: She loves to read number jokes and games.

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