Last updated on May 26th, 2025
The Least common multiple (LCM) is the smallest number that is divisible by the numbers 8 and 20. LCM helps to solve problems with fractions and scenarios like scheduling or aligning repeating cycle of events.
The LCM of 8 and 20 is the smallest positive integer, a multiple of both numbers. By finding the LCM, we can simplify the arithmetic operations like addition and subtraction with fractions to equate the denominators.
There are various methods to find the LCM, Listing method, prime factorization method and division method are explained below;
To ascertain the LCM, list the multiples of the integers until a common multiple is found.
Steps:
1. Writedown the multiples of each number:
Multiples of 8 = 8,16,24,32,40…
Multiples of 20 = 20,40,60,80…
2. Ascertain the smallest multiple from the listed multiples of 8 and 20.
The LCM (The Least common multiple) of 8 and 20 is 40. i.e., 40 is divisible by 8 and 20 with no reminder.
This method involves finding the prime factors of each number and then multiplying the highest power of the prime factors to get the LCM.
Steps:
— Find the prime factors of the numbers:
— Take the highest power of each prime factor:
— 2,2,2,5
— Multiply the ascertained factors to get the LCM:
LCM (8,12) = 2×2×2×5 = 40
The Division Method involves dividing the numbers by their prime factors and multiplying the divisors to get the LCM.
Steps:
2×2×2×5= 40
LCM (8,20) = 40
Listed below are a few commonly made mistakes while attempting to ascertain the LCM of 8 and 20 make a note while practicing.
Trains A and B arrive every 8 minutes and 20 minutes at the station at the same time. In how long will they arrive together again?
The LCM of 8 and 20 =40
The smallest common multiple is ascertained between the numbers to ascertain the next arrival of the trains at the same time, which is in 40 minutes.
C and D meet every 8 days and 20 days, respectively. They meet today, September 1, how many days will it be before they meet again?
Find the LCM of 8 and 20: LCM (8,20) = 40.
They will meet again in 40 days. The LCM of 8 and 20 is the smallest common multiple of the digits.
A bakery sells apple juice and orange juice in bottles. The apple juice bottles are delivered in packs of 8, and the orange juice bottles in packs of 20. What is the least number of bottles of each type of juice that needs to be bought that they have an equal number of apple and orange juice?
We derive the number by finding the LCM of 8 and 20: LCM (8,20) = 40.
The smallest number of bottles of each type to be brought is 40, so they have an equal number of both. The LCM of 8 and 20 is the smallest common multiple of the digits.
Mr. S has two kinds of plants that need watering. The lemon plant needs to be watered every 8 days, and the orange plant needs to be watered every 20 days. If both the plants are watered today, in how many days will Mr. S water them together again?
The LCM(8,20) = 40
Mr. S needs to water the plants on the 40th day. The LCM of 8 and 20 is the smallest common multiple of the digits.
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.