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 6 and 16 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 6 and 16, The LCM is 48. 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.
The first step is to list all the multiples of the given numbers.
Multiples Of 6: 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, 54 and 60.
Multiples Of 16: 16, 32, 48, 64, 80, 96, 112, 128, 144 and 160
The second step is to find the smallest common multiples in both the numbers. In this case, that number is 48 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.
The first step is to break down the given numbers into its primal form. The primal form of the number is:
6= 3×2
16= 2×2×2×2
As you can see, 2 appears as a prime factor in both numbers. So instead of considering 2 five times, we will only consider it four times. So the final equation will look like (2×2×2×2×3).
So after the multiplication, we will be getting the LCM as 48.
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:
These numbers multiplied give 48. On this basis, therefore, the LCM of the 6 and 16 becomes 48.
Let us look at some of the common mistakes that can happen while solving a given assignment regarding LCM.
Suppose the length of each balloon is 6 inches and 16 inches long, what is the least length to accommodate both?
The least length is 48 inches.
48 inches is the smallest length that can fit both 6-inch and 16-inch balloons without needing to cut or fold them.
Two kids have crayons: one with 6 colors, and another with 16 colors. What’s the smallest number of colors to have both?
48 is the smallest number of colors both can have.
The smallest number that 6 and 16 can both fit into is 48, so both can share all colors.
There are 6 tables and 16 chairs at a party. How many can you fit and evenly?
You can fit 48 guests evenly, with 8 guests at each of the 6 tables.
If there are 6 tables and 8 guests sit at each table, you multiply 6 times 8 to get 48 guests in total.
If you have 6 gift boxes and 16 ribbons, what’s the least number of gifts to use all?
48 gifts is the smallest number that fits perfectly with 6 boxes and 16 ribbons.
To use all 6 boxes and 16 ribbons with no leftovers, 48 gifts work, as it is divided evenly by both 6 and 16.
Two have 6 gears and two 16 gears. How many gear cycles is the least for both?
The least gear cycle for both is 48.
The smallest number of cycles both gears will align is 48. This happens when you find the LCM (The Least Common Multiple) of 6 and 16.