Last updated on May 26th, 2025
LCM of any two numbers is the least common multiple of two numbers. In our daily life, LCM is used for scheduling events, and distributing any items among others. In this topic, we will learn more about LCM of 14 and 16.
The common multiples of 14 and 16 is 112. 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.
Out of many methods, 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 -
Listing multiples can be a tedious method for finding the LCM. Here, the listing of multiples for all these 2 numbers is noted -
Then we can see that out of 14 and 16, 112 is the smallest common number that is present in them. So we see that 112 is the LCM of 14 and 16.
The product of the highest power of prime factors of 14 and 16 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 14 = 2 × 7
Prime factorization of 16 = 24
Multiplying the highest power of prime factors: 24 × 7 → 16 × 7 = 112
LCM of 14 and 16 is 112.
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 14 and 16 by 2. The result is 7 and 8.
Step 3: As 8 is divisible by 2, again the divisor is 2. Dividing 7 and 8 by 2. Now the result is 7 and 4.
Step 4: Continue dividing the numbers with the smallest prime number until all numbers are reduced to 1.
The divisors are 2, 2, 2, 2, 7. LCM of 14 and 16 is the product of divisors.
Hence, the LCM of (14 and 16) = 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 7 = 112
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.
Two traffic lights blink every 14 seconds and 16 seconds. When will they blink together again?
Find the LCM of 14 and 16.
By using the prime factorization method, the LCM is 112. (112 seconds)
To convert 112 seconds to minutes :
112 seconds = 1 minute and 52 seconds.
The traffic lights will blink together again after 112 seconds (1 minute and 52 seconds).
The product of two numbers is 224, if their GCD is 2, what is their LCM?
Given :
Product of two numbers=224
GCD of the number=2
LCM x GCD = product of the two numbers
LCM x 2= 224
LCM = 224/2 =112
The LCM of the two numbers is 112.
When we find the LCM, by using a given product of 224 and the GCD of 2, then it is easy to find the LCM as 112.
You bake a batch of cookies every 14 minutes and friends bake a batch every 16 minutes, if both bake a batch at 10:00 AM. When will both bake a batch at the same time again?
LCM of 14 and 16:
14 = 2 × 7
16 = 24
LCM = 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 7 = 16 × 7 =112 (minutes)
Convert 112 minutes into hours and minutes.
112 minutes = 1 hour and 52 minutes.
When you both bake at 10: 00 AM, after 112 minutes, you and your friends will bake at the same time again. To convert 112 minutes to hours, 1 hour, and 52 minutes.
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.
: She loves to read number jokes and games.