Last updated on May 26th, 2025
The Least Common Multiple (LCM) is the smallest number that when we divide by two or more numbers at a time, all three or more numbers divide into it. LCM also helps in math problems and everyday things like event planning or buying supplies. We will find the LCM of 3,9, and 15 together and what that really means.
The LCM or the least common multiple of 2 numbers is the smallest number that appears as a multiple of both numbers. In case of 3,9 and 15, The LCM is 45. But how did we get to this answer? There are different ways to obtain a LCM of 2 or more numbers. Let us take a look at those methods.
Remember that we previously said there are plenty of ways to calculate the LCM of two numbers or more. Then some of those methods make it extremely easy for us to find the LCM of any two numbers. Those methods are:
Finally, now we will learn how each of these methods can help us to calculate LCM of given numbers.
This method will help us find the LCM of the numbers by listing the multiples of the given numbers. Let us take a step by step look at this method.
Step 1: list all the multiples of the given numbers.
Multiples Of 3: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36, 39, 42, 45, 48, 51, 54, 57 and 60.
Multiples Of 9: 9, 18, 27, 36, 45, 54, 63, 72, 81 and 90.
Multiples Of 15: 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105, 120, 135 and 150.
Step 2: find the smallest common multiples in both the numbers. In this case, that number is 45 as highlighted above.
By this way we will be able to tell the LCM of given numbers.
Let us break down the process of prime factorization into steps and make it easy for children to understand.
Step 1: break down the given numbers into its primal form. The primal form of the number is:
3= 3
9= 3×3
15= 3×5
Step 2: As you can see, 3 appears as a prime factor in all three numbers. So instead of considering 3 4 times, we will only consider it two times. So the final equation will look like (3×3×5).
So after the multiplication, we will be getting the LCM as 45.
As you can see, using this method can be easier for larger numbers compared to the previous method.
The method to calculate the LCM is really simple. We’ll break these given numbers apart till it comes down to one, by dividing it by the prime factors. The product of the divisors that will come is the LCM of the given numbers.
Let us understand it step by step:
The first thing is to find the number common in both the numbers. Here it is 3. In that case, we divide the numbers by 3. It will reduce the values of the numbers to 1, 3 and 5.
As 3 and 5 are prime numbers, we will divide those numbers by themselves and get the last to be only 1’s.
This is the end of division. However, we will now find the product of the numbers on the left. The numbers on the left side are:3,3 and 5.
These numbers multiplied give 45. On this basis, therefore, the LCM of the 3,9 and 15 becomes 45.
Let us look at some of the common mistakes that can happen while solving a given assignment regarding LCM.
Anna practices violin every 3 days, Sam every 9 days, and Lily every 15 days. When will they practice together?
Anna, Sam, and Lily will practice together in 45 days.
45 is the smallest number that can be divided evenly by 3, 9, and 15. This means they will all practice together in 45 days.
A school has gym days every 3 days, art days every 9 days, and science days every 15 days. When will all fall on the same day?
All activities will happen together in 45 days.
The smallest number that 3, 9, and 15 can divide evenly is 45, so that's when all three activities will be on the same day.
Amir fills the tank every 3 days, Sue every 9 days, and Jake every 15 days. When will they refill together?
They will refill together in 45 days.
The smallest number of days that work for all their schedules is 45. This is called the “least common multiple” (LCM) of 3, 9, and 15.
Workers get breaks every 3, 9, and 15 days. When will they break on the same day?
In 45 days, the workers will all take a break on the same day.
The smallest number that 3, 9, and 15 divide into evenly is 45, so they’ll all rest together after 45 days.
Three friends visit a park every 3, 9, and 15 days. When will they all meet up again?
They’ll meet again in 45 days.
The smallest number that 3, 9, and 15 all divide into evenly is 45. So, after 45 days, all three friends will meet again
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.