192 LearnersLast updated on May 26th, 2025
LCM of 12 and 24
The least common multiple is defined as the smallest multiple that two or more numbers have in common. LCM has many real-life applications, such as determining the events by finding the LCM or determining the traffic lights to optimize the flow of traffic.
What is the LCM of 12 and 24
The LCM of 12 and 24 is 24 as 24 is the smallest positive integer that is divisible by both 12 and 24 without any remainder.
How to find the LCM of 12 and 24
There are various methods to find the LCM of 12 and 24.
- Listing Multiples
- Prime Factorization
- Division Method
LCM of 12 and 24 Using Listing the Multiples
To calculate the LCM of 12 and 24 using listing multiples, below are the steps to be followed:
Step 1: List a few multiples of 12 and 24
12 - 12, 24, 36, 48, 60……
24 - 24, 48, 72, 96, 120…..
Step 2: From the multiples of 12 and 24, we can see that 24 and 48 are the common multiples of 12 and 24.
Step 3: The smallest common multiple of 12 and 24 is 24
Therefore, the least common multiple of 12 and 24 is 24.
LCM of 12 and 24 Using Prime Factorization
To find the LCM of 12 and 24 using the Prime Factorization method:
Step 1: Find the prime factors of 12 and 24
Prime factors of 12 = 2×2×3 = 22 × 31
Prime factors of 24 = 2×2×2×3 = 23 × 31
Step 2: Now multiply prime factors raised to their respective highest power.
i.e., 23 × 31 = 24.
Therefore, the LCM of 12 and 24 is 24
LCM of 12 and 24 Using Division Method
Here are the steps to find the LCM of 12 and 24 using the Division method:
Step 1: Write 12 and 24 in a row
Step 2: Find the smallest prime number that can divide either 12 or 24.
Here 2 is the smallest prime number.
Step 3: Divide and repeat the same process until you can’t divide anymore.
Step 4: After dividing, multiply all the prime numbers you used to divide.
Here, 2×2×3×2 = 24
Therefore, LCM of 12 and 24 is 24.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in LCM of 12 and 24
There are a few common mistakes that are committed while finding out the LCM of 12 and 24 but can be avoided, below are a few common mistakes and how they can be avoided.
Mistake 1
Incorrect multiples
During listing multiples, one might stop after doing the first few multiples, so try to list as many possible multiples as you can.
LCM of 12 and 24 Examples
Problem 1
If a Manson has two tasks that take 12 and 24 minutes, respectively, how long will it take to complete both tasks if the Manson does them one after the other?
24 minutes
Explanation
Through taking LCM of 12 and 24,
24 is the smallest integer and a common multiple of 12 and 24
Therefore, it will take 24 minutes for the Manson to complete the task.
Problem 2
If two trains leave the same station, one every 12 minutes and the other every 24 minutes, when will they both leave the station at the same time again after leaving together?
24 minutes.
Explanation
To find when both trains leave together again, we look for the LCM of their departure times (12 and 24).
The LCM of 12 and 24 is 24. So, they will both leave together again in 24 minutes.
Problem 3
A child has 12 red pencils and 24 blue pencils. The child wants to bundle them into equal groups with the same number of pencils of each color. What is the largest number of groups the child can make?
The child can make 12 groups.
Explanation
To find the maximum number of equal groups with the same number of pencils of each color, we need the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) instead of the LCM. The GCD of 12 and 24 is 12. Hence, the child can make 12 groups, with 1 red pencil and 2 blue pencils in each group.
FAQs on Least Common Multiple of 12 and 24
1.What is the LCM of 12, 24 and 48?
2.What is the LCM of 12,24 and 60?
3.Is 12 a factor of 24?
4.What is the HCF of 12, 24 and 30?
5.What is the HCF of 26 and 63?
6.How can children in Qatar use numbers in everyday life to understand LCM of 12 and 24?
7.What are some fun ways kids in Qatar can practice LCM of 12 and 24 with numbers?
8.What role do numbers and LCM of 12 and 24 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 24 skills?
Important Glossaries for LCM of 12 and 24
- Prime number: A prime number is a natural number that is greater than 1 and cannot be formed by multiplying two smaller numbers.
- Greatest common divisor: It is the largest positive integer that divides two or more integers without leaving a remainder.
- Common multiple: A common multiple is a number that is a multiple of two or more numbers.
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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.
