216 LearnersLast updated on May 26th, 2025
LCM of 32 and 48
The Least common multiple (LCM) is the smallest number that is divisible by the numbers 32 and 48. 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 32 and 48?
The LCM of 32 and 48 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 32 and 48?
There are various methods to find the LCM, Listing method, prime factorization method and division method are explained below;
LCM of 32 and 48 using the Listing Multiples Method
The LCM of 32 and 48 can be calculated using the following steps:
Step 1: Write down the multiples of each number
Multiples of 32 = 32,64,96,…
Multiples of 48 =48,96,144,…
Step 2: Ascertain the smallest multiple from the listed multiples:
The smallest common multiple is 96.
Thus, LCM(32,48) = 96
LCM of 32 and 48 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.
Step 1: Find the prime factors of each number
Prime factorization of 32 = 22×32
Prime factorization of 48 = 24×3
Step 1: Take the highest powers of each prime factor and multiply the highest powers to get the LCM:
LCM(32,48) = 96
LCM of 32 and 48 using the Division Method
This method involves dividing both numbers by their common prime factors and multiplying the divisors to find the LCM.
Step 1: Write the numbers, divide by common prime factors and multiply the divisors.
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.
The LCM of the numbers is the product of the prime numbers in the first column, i.e,
2×2×2×2×2×3 = 96
Thus, LCM(32,48) = 96
Common Mistakes and how to avoid them while finding the LCM of 32 and 48
Listed below are a few commonly made mistakes while attempting to ascertain the LCM of 32 and 48 make a note while practicing.
Mistake 1
Confusing between LCM and HCF of the numbers 32 and 48
It is common for one to be confused between the HCF (Highest common factor) and LCM (least common multiple). LCM is the smallest number divisible by 32 and 48 while, the largest number that divides them both is the HCF.
A simple trick to remember is that the HCF is going to be a relatively smaller number, it deals with divisors.
For LCM, however, the number will be at least as large as the largest of the two numbers.
In the given case, the HCF is 8, and the LCM is 96.
LCM of 32 and 48 Examples
Problem 1
A radio station plays the advertisement for beauty products every 32 minutes and an advertisement for stationery every 48 minutes. If they both start at the same time now, after how long will they both play together again?
The LCM of 32 and 48 is 144.
Explanation
The LCM of 32 and 48 is 144, which is the smallest common time interval for the given digits.
Problem 2
Traffic light A changes every 32 minutes and traffic light B switches every 48 minutes. When will they next turn green simultaneously.
We use the formula;
LCM(a, b) = a×b/HCF(a, b) where, a=32, b=48
HCF of 32 and 48;
Factors of 32 = 1,2,4,8,16,32
Factors of 48 = 1,2,3,4,6,8,12,24,48
HCF(32,48)= 8
Applying the ascertained HCF in the formula;
LCM(a, b) = a×b/HCF(a, b)
LCM(32,48) = 32×48/8 = 96
LCM(32,48) = 96
Explanation
The traffic lights will change simultaneously in 96 minutes.
Problem 3
A dance group practices a routine every 32 minutes and a different routine every 48 minutes. In how long will the group have to practice them together?
The LCM of 32 and 48 is 144.
Explanation
Both the shows will turn on at the same time in 144 minutes. The LCM of 32 and 48 is 144, which is the smallest common time interval for the given digits.
FAQs on LCM of 32 and 48
1.What is the HCF of 32 and 48?
2.What is the LCM of 36 and 48?
3.What is the LCM of 32 and 40?
4.What is the LCM of 32, 36 and 48?
5.What is the LCM of 32,48 and 72?
6.How can children in Bahrain use numbers in everyday life to understand LCM of 32 and 48?
7.What are some fun ways kids in Bahrain can practice LCM of 32 and 48 with numbers?
8.What role do numbers and LCM of 32 and 48 play in helping children in Bahrain develop problem-solving skills?
9.How can families in Bahrain create number-rich environments to improve LCM of 32 and 48 skills?
Important glossaries for the LCM of 32 and 48
- 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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