Last updated on May 26th, 2025
The smallest positive integer that divides the numbers with no numbers left behind is the LCM of 4,8 and 12. Did you know? We apply LCM unknowingly in everyday situations like setting alarms and to synchronize traffic lights and when making music. In this article, let’s now learn to find LCMs of 4,8 and 12.
We can find the LCM using listing multiples method, prime factorization method and the long division method. These methods are explained here, apply a method that fits your understanding well.
Step 1: List the multiples of each of the numbers;
4 = 4,8,12,16,20,24,…
8= 8,16,24,…
12= 12,24,…
Step 2: Find the smallest number in both the lists
LCM (4,8,12) = 24
Step 1:Prime factorize the numbers.
4 = 2×2
8 = 2×2×2
12 = 2×2×3
Step 2: find highest powers
Step 3: Multiply the highest powers of the numbers
LCM(4,8,12) = 24
Listed here are a few mistakes children may make when trying to find the LCM due to confusion or due to unclear understanding. Be mindful, understand, learn and avoid!
If the LCM of 4, 8, and another number is 24, what is the missing number?
We know the LCM of 4 and 8 is 8, and the LCM of 4, 8, and the missing number is 24. To find the missing number, divide the total LCM by the LCM of 4 and 8:
24/8=3
The missing number is 3.
Three bells ring at intervals of 4 minutes, 8 minutes, and 12 minutes. If they all ring together at 12:00 PM, when will they ring together again?
We need to find the LCM of the intervals (4, 8, 12 minutes). The LCM of 4, 8, and 12 is 24 minutes.
The bells will ring together again in 24 minutes, i.e., at 12:24 PM.
Find the smallest number that leaves a remainder of 1 when divided by 4, 8, and 12.
The smallest number divisible by 4, 8, and 12 is their LCM, which is 24. To leave a remainder of 1, the number must be of the form:
n=24k+1
The smallest such number is 24×1+1=25
The smallest number is 25.
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.