375 LearnersLast updated on May 26th, 2025
LCM of 10 and 12
The Least common multiple (LCM) is the smallest number that is divisible by the numbers 10 and 12. The LCM can be found using the listing multiples method, the prime factorization and/or division methods. LCM helps to solve problems with fractions and scenarios like scheduling or aligning repeating cycle of events.
What is the LCM of 10 and 12?
The LCM of 10 and 12 is the smallest positive integer, a multiple of both numbers. By finding the LCM, we can simplify the arithmetic operations with fractions to equate the denominators.
How to find the LCM of 10 and 12?
There are various methods to find the LCM, Listing method, prime factorization method and division method are explained below;
LCM of 10 and 12 using the Listing Multiples Method
The LCM of 10 and 12 can be found using the following steps:
Steps:
1. Write down the multiples of each number
— Multiples of 10 = 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, …
— Multiples of 12 = 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, …
2. Ascertain the smallest multiple from the listed multiples
— The smallest common multiple is 60.
Thus, LCM(10, 12) = 60.
LCM of 10 and 12 using the Prime Factorization Method
The prime factors of each number are written, and then the highest power of the prime factors is multiplied to get the LCM.
Steps:
1. Find the prime factors of the numbers:
— Prime factorization of 10 = 2 × 5
— Prime factorization of 12 = 2 × 2 × 3
2. Take the highest powers of each prime factor:
— Highest power of 2 = 2²
— Highest power of 3 = 3
— Highest power of 5 = 5
- Multiply the highest powers to get the LCM:
LCM(10, 12) = 2² × 3 × 5 = 60
LCM of 10 and 12 using the Division Method
This method involves dividing both numbers by their common prime factors until no further division is possible, then multiplying the divisors to find the LCM.
Steps:
1. Write the numbers:
2. Divide by common prime factors and multiply the divisors:
— 2 × 2 × 3 × 5 = 60
Thus, LCM(10, 12) = 60.
Common Mistakes and how to avoid them while finding the LCM of 10 and 12
Listed below are a few commonly made mistakes while attempting to ascertain the LCM of 10 and 12, make a note while practicing.
Mistake 1
Listing incorrect/overlooking multiples for the given numbers 10 and 12
This can be avoided by always double-checking the multiples of the numbers 10 and 12 and by not stopping too early. To elaborate, listing 10,20 as multiples of 10 and 12,24,36 as multiples of 12 and assuming 20 is the LCM.
LCM of 10 and 12 Examples
Problem 1
Bus A and bus B, run every 10 and 12 days, both leave the station today. When will they next leave the station on the same day again?
The LCM of 10 and 12 is 60
Explanation
The buses will leave together next in 60 days. 60 is the LCM of 10 and 12, expressing the smallest time interval between the digits.
Problem 2
In a neighborhood park, the fountain show is turned on every 10 minutes, and the light show every 12 minutes. If both the shows are turned on at the same time, when will they next be turned on together again?
The LCM of 10 and 12 is 60.
Explanation
Both the shows will turn on at the same time in 60 minutes,60 is the LCM of 10 and 12, expressing the smallest time interval between the digits.
Problem 3
The sprinkler watering system waters every 10 days and the drip watering system waters every 12 days. On which day do they have to be turned on together?
The LCM of 10 and 12 is 60
Explanation
Both the watering systems have to be turned on together in 60 days. 60 is the LCM of 10 and 12, expressing the smallest time interval between the digits.
Problem 4
A car mechanic services a red car every 10 days and a blue car every 12 days. If the cars are serviced today, when will they be serviced next together?
The LCM of 10 and 12 is 60.
Explanation
Both cars will be serviced again in 60 days.60 is the LCM of 10 and 12, expressing the smallest time interval between the digits.
FAQs on LCM of 10 and 12
1.How do you find the LCM of 10 and 12 using a Venn diagram?
2.What is the LCM formula using the HCF? Explain for the numbers 10 and 12.
3.How do you derive the LCM of two decimal numbers? Explain using 10.0 and 12.0.
4.How do you find the LCM of algebraic expressions?
5.How can children in Bahrain use numbers in everyday life to understand LCM of 10 and 12?
6.What are some fun ways kids in Bahrain can practice LCM of 10 and 12 with numbers?
7.What role do numbers and LCM of 10 and 12 play in helping children in Bahrain develop problem-solving skills?
8.How can families in Bahrain create number-rich environments to improve LCM of 10 and 12 skills?
Important glossaries for LCM of 10 and 12
- Multiple: A number and any integer multiplied.
- Prime Factor: A natural number (other than 1) that has factors that are one and itself.
- Prime Factorization: The process of breaking down a number into its prime factors is called Prime Factorization.
- Co-prime numbers: When the only positive integer that is a divisor of them both is 1, a number is co-prime.
- Relatively Prime Numbers: Numbers that have no common factors other than 1.
- Fraction: A representation of a part of a whole.
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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.
Fun Fact
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