BrightChamps Logo
Hamburger Menu Icon for BrightChamps Website Navigation
Login
Creative Math Ideas Image
Live Math Learners Count Icon157 Learners

Last updated on May 26th, 2025

Math Whiteboard Illustration

LCM of 42 and 63

Professor Greenline Explaining Math Concepts

LCM of any two numbers is the least common multiple of two numbers. In our daily life, LCM is used for scheduling events, as distributing any items among others. In this topic, we will learn more about LCM of 42 and 63.

LCM of 42 and 63 for Canadian Students
Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

What is the LCM of 42 and 63

The common multiples of 42 and 63 is 126.  Here, we will learn about the LCM of 2 numbers. Children learn about LCM at younger ages. Here, we will discuss the methods used for finding out LCM.
 

Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

How to find the LCM of 42 and 63?

Out of many methods, the prime factorization method is widely used for its easy approach. Here, we will learn about other methods as well. A few commonly used methods are as follows - 

 

 

  1. Listing Of Multiples
  2. Prime Factorization
  3. Division Method
     
Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

LCM of 42 and 63 Using Listing the Multiples

Listing multiples can be a tedious method for finding the LCM. Here, the listing of multiples for all these 2 numbers is noted - 

 

 

  • Multiples of 42 are  42, 84, 126, 168
  • Multiples of 63 are 63, 126, 189 

 

Then we can see that out of 42 and 63, 126 is the smallest common number that is present in them. So we see that 126 is the LCM of 42 and 63. 
 

Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

LCM of 42 and 63 Using Prime Factorization

The product of the highest power of prime factors of 42 and 63 is the LCM of these numbers. So let us look at it step by step to understand it better.


Breaking the given numbers into their prime factors.


Prime factorization of 42 = 2 × 3 × 7
Prime factorization of 63 = 32  × 7


Multiplying the highest power of prime factors: 21 × 32 × 71 →  2 × 9 × 7 = 126


LCM of 42 and 63 is 126.
 

Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

LCM of 42 and 63 Using Division Method

In this method, we will be dividing the given numbers with the common prime factors until all numbers are reduced to 1. Let us look at this step by step and make it easy for the children to learn it.

 

Step 1: Arrange the number in a sequence, divisors, and the numbers are on the left and right sides respectively.


Step 2: For finding the divisor, it is always the smallest common prime factor. Here, the smallest common prime factor is 2. Dividing 42 and 63 by 2. The result is 21 and 63. 


Step 3: As 21 and 63 are divisible by 3, the divisor is 3. Dividing 21 and 63 by 3. Now the result is 7 and 21.


Step 4: Continue dividing the numbers with the smallest prime number until all numbers are reduced to 1.

 

 

The divisors are 2, 3, 3, 7. LCM of 42 and 63 is the product of divisors.


Hence, the LCM of (42 and 63) = 2 × 3  × 3 × 7 = 126
 

Max Pointing Out Common Math Mistakes

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in LCM of 42 and 63

There are some common mistakes that are made by children while solving a problem on LCM. Let us look at some of these mistakes and how we can help children to avoid these mistakes.
 

Mistake 1

Red Cross Icon Indicating Mistakes to Avoid in This Math Topic

Confusing factors and multiples.
 

 

Green Checkmark Icon Indicating Correct Solutions in This Math Topic

Students used to confuse factors and multiples. To avoid confusion, students need to understand the concept of multiples and factors. Multiplies of a number are the product of the number with whole numbers, whereas factors of the number are the numbers which can evenly divide the number. For example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12 are the factors of 12; whereas 12, 24, 36, 48, 60,… are the multiples of 12.
 

Max from BrightChamps Saying "Hey"

LCM of 42 and 63 Example

Ray, the Character from BrightChamps Explaining Math Concepts
Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 1

A sports event is planned every 42 days, and a community event every 63 days, if both events happened today, after how many days will they coincide again?

Ray, the Boy Character from BrightChamps Saying "Let’s Begin"

Step 1: 42 and 63 → write the prime factors 


Prime factor of 42:  2 × 3 × 7


Prime factor of 63: 32  × 7


 Step 2: Find the highest power and multiply together.


After multiplying, we get 2   × 3 × 3 × 7 =126
 

Explanation

 So we get the LCM of 42 and 63 is 126. Which means both events will happen on the same day again after 126 days. 
 

Max from BrightChamps Praising Clear Math Explanations
Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 2

Two machines operate on a cycle of 42 minutes, and 63 minutes, respectively. If they both start a new cycle at the same time, how long will it take for them to start together again?

Ray, the Boy Character from BrightChamps Saying "Let’s Begin"

 The LCM of 42 and 63, which is 126 minutes.  
 

Explanation

The machines will start their cycle together again after 126 minutes.
 

Max from BrightChamps Praising Clear Math Explanations
Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 3

Find the smallest number that is divisible by 42 and 63 exactly.

Ray, the Boy Character from BrightChamps Saying "Let’s Begin"

 by listing multiplication methods,


 Multiples of 42: 42, 84, 126, 168
 Multiples of 63:63, 126, 189 


Therefore, the LCM of 42 and 63 is 126.
 

Explanation

 The smallest number that can be divisible by 42 and 63 by exactly is 126. The LCM of 42 and 63 is 126.
 

Max from BrightChamps Praising Clear Math Explanations
Ray Thinking Deeply About Math Problems

FAQ on LCM of 42 and 63

1.What is the GCF of 42 and 63??

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

2.What is the LCM of 42 and 63?

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

3.What is the LCM of 42 and 66?

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

4.What is the LCM of 42 and 62?

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

5.What is the LCM of 42, 63 and 70?

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

6.How can children in Canada use numbers in everyday life to understand LCM of 42 and 63?

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

7.What are some fun ways kids in Canada can practice LCM of 42 and 63 with numbers?

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

8.What role do numbers and LCM of 42 and 63 play in helping children in Canada develop problem-solving skills?

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

9.How can families in Canada create number-rich environments to improve LCM of 42 and 63 skills?

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow
Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Important Glossaries of LCM of 42 and 63

  • Factor: A number that will divide two or more numbers, leaving no remainder. For 18 and 24 we have 6 as a common factor, it means both 18 and 24 can be divisible by 6.

 

  • Prime Factorization: When a number can be represented as the factors of prime numbers, it is called prime factorization. The prime factorization of 18 for example is 2×3×3.

 

  • Greatest Common Factor (GCF): GCF is the greatest factor that is common in the given numbers. For example, the GCF of 5, 10, and 15 is 5. Because the common factors of 5 and 10 are 1 and 5.

 

  • Division Method: In the division method, the numbers are divided by the smallest common prime factor till the numbers are reduced to 1. 
     
Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

About BrightChamps in Canada

At BrightChamps, numbers are more than just symbols—they’re keys to unlocking countless opportunities! Our mission is to help kids across Canada develop essential math skills, focusing today on the LCM of 42 and 63 with an emphasis on understanding the LCM—in a way that’s engaging, fun, and easy to follow. Whether your child is figuring out the speed of a roller coaster at Canada’s Wonderland, keeping track of hockey game scores, or saving allowance for new gadgets, mastering numbers gives them the confidence they need for daily life. Our hands-on lessons keep learning enjoyable and simple. Because children in Canada learn in many ways, we personalize our approach for every learner. From the energetic streets of Toronto to the breathtaking views of British Columbia, BrightChamps brings math to life, making it relevant and exciting throughout Canada. Let’s make learning the LCM a fun experience for all!
Math Teacher Background Image
Math Teacher Image

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.

Math Teacher Fun Facts Image
Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Fun Fact

: She loves to read number jokes and games.

INDONESIA - Axa Tower 45th floor, JL prof. Dr Satrio Kav. 18, Kel. Karet Kuningan, Kec. Setiabudi, Kota Adm. Jakarta Selatan, Prov. DKI Jakarta
INDIA - H.No. 8-2-699/1, SyNo. 346, Rd No. 12, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana - 500034
SINGAPORE - 60 Paya Lebar Road #05-16, Paya Lebar Square, Singapore (409051)
USA - 251, Little Falls Drive, Wilmington, Delaware 19808
VIETNAM (Office 1) - Hung Vuong Building, 670 Ba Thang Hai, ward 14, district 10, Ho Chi Minh City
VIETNAM (Office 2) - 143 Nguyễn Thị Thập, Khu đô thị Him Lam, Quận 7, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
Dubai - BrightChamps, 8W building 5th Floor, DAFZ, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
UK - Ground floor, Redwood House, Brotherswood Court, Almondsbury Business Park, Bristol, BS32 4QW, United Kingdom