Last updated on May 26th, 2025
The Least Common Multiple (LCM) is the smallest number that when we divide by two or more numbers at a time, all three or more numbers divide into it. LCM also helps in math problems and everyday things like event planning or buying supplies. We will find the LCM of 6 and 20 together and what that really means.
The LCM or the least common multiple of 2 numbers is the smallest number that appears as a multiple of both numbers. In case of 6 and 20, The LCM is 60. But how did we get to this answer? There are different ways to obtain a LCM of 2 or more numbers. Let us take a look at those methods.
Remember that we previously said there are plenty of ways to calculate the LCM of two numbers or more. Then some of those methods make it extremely easy for us to find the LCM of any two numbers. Those methods are:
Finally, now we will learn how each of these methods can help us to calculate LCM of given numbers.
This method will help us find the LCM of the numbers by listing the multiples of the given numbers. Let us take a step by step look at this method.
Multiples Of 6: 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, 54 and 60.
Multiples Of 20: 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, 140, 160, 180 and 200.
By this way we will be able to tell the LCM of given numbers.
Let us break down the process of prime factorization into steps and make it easy for children to understand.
6= 3×2
20= 2×2×5
As you can see, using this method can be easier for larger numbers compared to the previous method.
The method to calculate the LCM is really simple. We’ll break these given numbers apart till it comes down to one, by dividing it by the prime factors. The product of the divisors that will come is the LCM of the given numbers.
Let us understand it step by step:
These numbers multiplied give 60. On this basis, therefore, the LCM of the 6 and 20 becomes 60.
Let us look at some of the common mistakes that can happen while solving a given assignment regarding LCM.
Emma has 6 toy cars and 20 toy soldiers. What if each group gets the same amount of toys, how many total toys will she have?
Emma will need 60 toys in total.
The LCM (the least common multiple) of 6 and 20 is 60. This means she can share toys in equal groups without any leftovers.
Two friends ride their bicycles every 6 and 20 days. When will they ride together?
They will ride together in 60 days.
The least common multiple (LCM) of 6 and 20 is 60. This means both friends will meet every 60 days to ride together.
Suppose that a bell rings every 6 minutes, and another bell rings every 20 minutes. At what time will the bells sound together?
The bells will ring together every 60 minutes.
The LCM of 6 and 20 is 60. This means the bells will both ring together again after 60 minutes.
A gardener plants flowers every 6 days and shrubs every 20 days. When will he plant both on the same day?
He will plant both on the same day in 60 days.
The gardener plants flowers every 6 days and shrubs every 20 days. The smallest number both 6 and 20 divide into evenly is 60.
Lily saves 6 coins each week, while Jack saves 20 coins. When will they have the same total savings?
Lily and Jack will have the same total savings after 60 weeks.
After 60 weeks, Lily saves 360 coins (6 × 60), and Jack saves 400 coins (20 × 20). The total savings will match at 60 weeks.