Last updated on May 26th, 2025
In this article, we will learn how to learn LCM by using different methods and learn to apply the LCM. We can simplify mathematical calculations and efficiently solve the problems by learning the LCM
The LCM of 30 and 42 is the smallest positive integer that is a multiple of both numbers.
We can find the LCM using the listing method, prime factorization method and division method as explained below;
The LCM of 30 and 42 can be found using the following steps
Step 1: Write down the multiples of each number:
Multiples of 30–30,60,90,120,150,180,210,…
Multiples of 42–42,84,126,168,210,…
Step 2: Pick the smallest multiple from the multiples of 30 and 42.
The LCM of 30 and 42 = 210
The prime factors of the given numbers are written, and the highest power of the prime factors is multiplied to get the LCM.
Step 1: Find the prime factors of the numbers:
30= 3×5×2
42 = 2×3×7
Step 2 : Multiply the highest power of each factor to get the LCM.
LCM (30,42) = 210
The Division Method involves simultaneously dividing the numbers by their prime factors and multiplying the divisors to get the LCM.
Step 1 : Write down the numbers in a row;
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’. Carry forward the numbers not divisible by the previously picked prime number.
Step 3 :The LCM of the numbers is the product of the prime numbers in the first column, i.e, LCM (30,42) = 210
Listed below are a few commonly made mistakes while attempting to ascertain the LCM of 30 and 42 make a note while practicing.
Verify LCM(a,b)×HCF(a,b)=a×b, where a= 30 and b=42.
LCM of 30,42;
Prime factorize the numbers;
30= 3×5×2
42 = 2×3×7
LCM (30,42) = 210
HCF of 30,42;
Factors of 30–1,2,3,5,6,10,15,30
Factors of 42–1,2,3,6,7,21,42
HCF(30,42)= 6
Verifying the formula;
LCM(a,b)×HCF(a,b)=a×b
210×6=30×42
1260 =1260
The LHS is equal to the RHS, hence the relationship as given in the formula stands true.
The LCM of 30 and x is 210. HCF of 30 and x is 6. Find x.
Given;
LCM(30,x) = 210
HCF(30,x) = 6
To find x, we use →LCM(a,b)=a×b/HCF(a,b)
We now solve for x,
30×x/6 = 210
30×x = 210×6
30×x = 1260
x = 1260/30 = 42
The above is how we ascertain the value of x, which is 42.
Find x where, LCM (32,x)=210 and HCF(32,x)=6.
x= 40
The only number that satisfies both the conditions LCM (32,x)=210 and HCF(32,x)=6 is 42. HCF of 30 and 42 is 6 and the LCM of the same is 210.
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.