LCM of 18 and 24

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The Least common multiple (LCM) is the smallest number that is divisible by the numbers 18 and 24. 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 18 and 24?

The LCM of 18 and 24 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 18 and 24?

There are various methods to find the LCM, Listing method, prime factorization method and division method are explained below;

LCM of 18 and 24 using the Listing multiples method

The LCM of 18 and 24 can be found using the following steps;

Step1: Write down the multiples of each number:

Multiples of 18 = 18,36,54,72,90…

Multiples of 24= 24,48,72…

Step 2: Ascertain the smallest multiple from the listed multiples of 18 and 24.

The LCM of 18 and 24 = 72

LCM of 18 and 24 using the Prime Factorization

The prime factors of each number are written, and then the highest power of the prime factors is multiplied to get the LCM.

Step1: Find the prime factors of the numbers:

Prime factorization of 18 = 2×3×3

Prime factorization of 24 = 2×2×2×3

Step 2: Multiply the highest power of each factor ascertained to get the LCM:

LCM (18,24) = 2×2×3×3×2= 72

LCM of 18 and 24 using the Division Method

The Division Method involves simultaneously dividing the numbers by their prime factors and multiplying the divisors to get the LCM.

Step 1:Write down the numbers in a row;

Step 2: A prime integer that is evenly divisible into at least one of the provided numbers should be used to divide the row of numbers. Continue dividing the numbers until the last row of the results is ‘1’ and bring down the numbers not divisible by the previously chosen prime number.

Step 3: The LCM of the numbers is the product of the prime numbers in the first column, i.e,

2×2×2×3×3 = 72

LCM (18,24)=72

Important glossaries for LCM of 18 and 24

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.