181 LearnersLast updated on May 26th, 2025
LCM of 16 and 24
The Least common multiple (LCM) is the smallest number that is divisible by the numbers 16 and 24. The LCM can be found using the listing multiples method, the prime factorization and/or division methods. LCM helps to solve problems with fractions and scenarios like scheduling or aligning repeating cycle of events.
What is the LCM of 16 and 24?
The LCM of 16 and 24 is the smallest positive integer, a multiple of both numbers. By finding the LCM, we can simplify the arithmetic operations with fractions to equate the denominators.
How to find the LCM of 16 and 24?
There are various methods to find the LCM, Listing method, prime factorization method and division method are explained below;
LCM of 16 and 24 using the Listing multiples method
The LCM of 16 and 24 can be found using the following steps;
Step 1: Write down the multiples of each number:
Multiples of 16 = 16,32,48,64,…
Multiples of 24= 24,48,72…
Step 2: Ascertain the smallest multiple from the listed multiples of 16 and 24.
The LCM of 16 and 24 = 48
LCM of 16 and 24 using the Prime Factorization
The prime factors of each number are written, and then the highest power of the prime factors is multiplied to get the LCM.
Step 1: Find the prime factors of the numbers:
Prime factorization of 16 = 2×2×2×2×2
Prime factorization of 24 = 2×2×2×3
Step 2: Multiply the highest power of each factor ascertained to get the LCM:
LCM (16,24) = 2×2×2×3×2= 48
LCM of 16 and 24 using the Division Method
The Division Method involves simultaneously dividing the numbers by their prime factors and multiplying the divisors to get the LCM.
Step 1:Write down the numbers in a row;
Step 2:A prime integer that is evenly divisible into at least one of the provided numbers should be used to divide the row of numbers. Continue dividing the numbers until the last row of the results is ‘1’ and bring down the numbers not divisible by the previously chosen prime number.
Step 3:The LCM of the numbers is the product of the prime numbers in the first column, i.e,
2×2×2×2×3 = 48
LCM (16,24)=48
Common Mistakes and how to avoid them in LCM of 16 and 24
Listed below are a few commonly made mistakes while attempting to ascertain the LCM of 16 and 24 make a note while practicing.
Mistake 1
Confusing between LCM and HCF of the numbers 16 and 24
it is common for one to be confused between the HCF (Highest common factor) and LCM (the least common multiple). LCM is the smallest number divisible by 16 and 24 while, the largest number that divides them both is the HCF.
A simple trick to remember is that the HCF is going to be a relatively smaller number, it deals with divisors.
For LCM, however, the number will be at least as large as the largest of the two numbers.
In the given case, the HCF is 8, and the LCM is 48.
LCM of 16 and 24, Examples
Problem 1
Bells at a play school ring for the assembly, 16 and 24 minutes apart, respectively. If they ring together at 1:00 PM, when will they ring together again?
The LCM of 16 and 24 is 48.
Explanation
The bells will ring together at 1:48 PM next. The LCM expresses the smallest common interval between the digits.
Problem 2
In a park, gardener A finishes weeding for a plot every 16 minutes, and gardener B finishes a cycle in 24 minutes. Using the LCM formula, ascertain when will they complete a cycle simultaneously? Solution:
We use the formula;
LCM(a, b) = a×b/HCF(a, b) where, a=16, b=24
HCF of 16 and 24;
Factors of 24 = 1,2,3,4,6,8,12,24
Factors of 16 = 1,2,4,8,16
HCF (16,24)= 8
Applying the ascertained HCF in the formula;
LCM(a, b) = a×b/HCF(a, b)
LCM(16,24) = 16×24/8 = 48
LCM(16,24) = 48
Explanation
A and B will complete their cycle together every 48 minutes.
Problem 3
One chips jar is filled every 16 hours, and the candy jar is filled every 24 hours. If the jars started filling at the same time, how long will it take for the both of them to be filled?
The LCM of 16 and 24 is 48.
Explanation
Both jars will be filled at the same time again in 48 hours. The LCM expresses the smallest common interval between the digits.
FAQ’s on LCM of 16 and 24
1.What is the LCM of 6,16 and 24?
2.What is the LCM of 12,16 and 24?
3.What is the HCF of 16 and 24?
4.What is the LCM of 16,18 and 24?
5.What is the LCM of 16,24 and 32?
6.How can children in Singapore use numbers in everyday life to understand LCM of 16 and 24?
7.What are some fun ways kids in Singapore can practice LCM of 16 and 24 with numbers?
8.What role do numbers and LCM of 16 and 24 play in helping children in Singapore develop problem-solving skills?
9.How can families in Singapore create number-rich environments to improve LCM of 16 and 24 skills?
Important Glossaries for LCM of 16 and 24
- Multiple: A number and any integer multiplied.
- Prime Factor: A natural number (other than 1) that has factors that are one and itself.
- Prime Factorization: The process of breaking down a number into its prime factors is called Prime Factorization.
- Co-prime numbers: When the only positive integer that is a divisor of them both is 1, a number is co-prime.
- Relatively Prime Numbers:Numbers that have no common factors other than 1.
- Fraction: A representation of a part of a whole.
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About BrightChamps in Singapore
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
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