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Last updated on November 30th, 2024

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LCM of 12 and 16

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Foundation
Intermediate
Advance Topics

LCM is a common multiple, the smallest value between the numbers 3 and 8. Did you know? We apply LCM unknowingly in everyday situations like setting alarms and to synchronize traffic lights and when making music.

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What is the LCM of 12 and 16?

The LCM of 3 and 8 is 24. 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 16 Using Listing the Multiples

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


Step 1  — Multiples of 12 = 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72,84,96, …


Step 2  — Multiples of 16 = 16, 32, 48,64,80,96,…


  Find the smallest number common between the written multiples of 12 and 16


Step 3— The smallest common multiple is 48


Thus, LCM(12,16) = 48

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LCM of 12 and 16 Using Prime Factorization

Step 1 — factorize the numbers into its prime factors 


12 = 2×2×3


16 = 2 × 2 ×2 × 2 ×2 


Step 2 — find the highest powers of the factors of 12 and 16


Step 3 — Multiply the highest powers 


LCM (12,16) = 48

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LCM of 12 and 16 Using Division Method

  • Write the numbers 12,16 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(12,16) = 48 
     
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Common Mistakes and how to avoid them while finding the LCM of 12 and 16

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LCM of 12 and 16 examples

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Problem 1

If 25% of the LCM of 12 and 16 is used to distribute supplies, how many supplies are distributed?

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Explanation

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Problem 2

A maintenance schedule for projectors is set up every 12 weeks and 16 weeks at a school. If both the projectors are serviced today, in how many weeks will they be serviced again on the same day?

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Explanation

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Problem 3

Verify the formula LCM(a,b)=a×b/GCF(a,b) ​for 12 and 16.

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Explanation

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FAQs on LCM of 12 and 16

1.What is the LCM of 6,12 and 16?

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2.What are the factors of 12 and 16 ?

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3.What is the LCM of 6 and 16?

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4.What is the HCF of 12 and 16?

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5.What is the LCM of 6,8 and 12?

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Important glossaries for the LCM of 12 and 16

  • 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. 

    
 

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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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Fun Fact

: She loves to read number jokes and games.

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