166 LearnersLast updated on May 26th, 2025
LCM of 12 and 20
LCM is a common multiple, the smallest value between the numbers 12 and 20. Did you know? We apply LCM unknowingly in everyday situations like setting alarms and to synchronize traffic lights and when making music.
What is the LCM of 12 and 20?
The LCM of 12 and 20 is 60. We can find the LCM using the Listing multiples method, the prime factorization method and the long division method. These are explained below.
LCM of 12 and 20 Using Listing the Multiples
Step 1: Write down the multiples of the numbers. Don’t stop too early.
— Multiples of 12 = 12,16,24,36,48,60,…
— Multiples of 20 = 20,40,60,80,…
Step 2: Find the smallest number common between the written multiples of 12 and 20
— The smallest common multiple is 60.
Thus, LCM(12,20) = 60
LCM of 12 and 20 Using Prime Factorization
Step 1:— factorize the numbers into its prime factors
12 = 2×2×3
20 = 2×2×5
Step 2:— find the highest powers of the factors of 12 and 20
Step 3:— Multiply the highest powers
LCM(12,20) = 60
LCM of 12 and 20 Using Division Method
- Write the numbers 12,20 in a row
- Divide them by their common prime factors, if there is one
- Carry forward the numbers that are left undivided by the previously chosen factor
- Continue dividing until the remainder is ‘1’
- Multiply the divisors to find the LCM
- LCM(12,20) = 60
Common Mistakes and how to avoid them while finding the LCM of 12 and 20
Listed here are a few mistakes that one can commit when trying to find the LCM of the numbers 12 and 20. Try to avoid them.
Mistake 1
Listing incorrect multiples
If the LCM of given numbers is 60, double-check that the number appears on the list of both 12 and 20.
LCM of 12 and 20 Examples
Problem 1
What percentage of the LCM of 12 and 20 is 12?
LCM(12,20)=60
Percentage=(12/60)×100=20%
Explanation
The percentage of a number in relation to the LCM is calculated by dividing the number by the LCM and multiplying by 100.
Problem 2
If 20 is one of the numbers, and the LCM of the unknown number and 20 is 60, what is the unknown number?
Let the unknown number be x
We know LCM(x,20)=60 and 20s prime factorization is 22.×5
x must have prime factors 2² and 3 (since the LCM includes 3, which isn’t in 20). Thus, x=12x
Explanation
The LCM must include all prime factors of both numbers, so we deduce that the missing number is 12.
Problem 3
Mr. S has two kinds of plants that need watering. The lemon plant needs to be watered every 12 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(12,20) = 24.
Explanation
Mr. S needs to water the plants on the 60th day. The LCM of 12 and 20 is the smallest common multiple of the digits.
FAQ’s on the LCM of 12 and 20
1.What are the common factors of 12 and 20?
2.Is 12 a factor of 20?
3.What is the HCF of 12 and 20?
4.What is the LCM of 12 and 18?
5.Is 25 a factor of 200 ?
6.How can children in Qatar use numbers in everyday life to understand LCM of 12 and 20?
7.What are some fun ways kids in Qatar can practice LCM of 12 and 20 with numbers?
8.What role do numbers and LCM of 12 and 20 play in helping children in Qatar develop problem-solving skills?
9.How can families in Qatar create number-rich environments to improve LCM of 12 and 20 skills?
Important glossaries on the LCM of 12 and 20
- Multiple — product of a number and a natural integer
- Prime factor — number one gets after prime factorization any given number
- Prime factorization — the process of breaking the number into its prime factors.
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About BrightChamps in Qatar
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.
Fun Fact
: She loves to read number jokes and games.
