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107 LearnersLast updated on September 17th, 2024
LCM of 12 and 18
The Least common multiple (LCM) is the smallest number that is divisible by the numbers 12 and 18. 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 12 and 18?
The LCM of 12 and 18 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 12 and 18?
There are various methods to find the LCM, Listing method, prime factorization method and division method are explained below;
LCM of 12 and 18 using the Listing Multiples Method
The LCM of 12 and 18 can be found using the following steps:
Steps:
- List the multiples of each number
— Multiples of 12 = 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, …
— Multiples of 18 = 18, 36, 54, 72, 90, …
- Figure the smallest multiple from the listed multiples
— The smallest common multiple is 36.
Thus, LCM(12, 18) = 36
LCM of 12 and 18 using the Prime Factorization Method
The prime factors of each number are written, and then the highest power of the prime factors is multiplied to get the LCM.
Steps:
- Devise prime factors of the given numbers:
— Prime factorization of 12 = 2 × 2 × 3
— Prime factorization of 18 = 2 × 3 × 3
- Pick the highest powers of each prime factor:
— Highest power of 2 = 2²
— Highest power of 3 = 3²
- Find the product of the highest powers to get the LCM:
LCM(12, 18) = 2² × 3² = 36.
LCM of 12 and 18 using the Division Method
This method involves dividing both numbers by their common prime factors until no further division is possible, then multiplying the divisors to get the LCM.
Steps:
- Write the numbers:
- Divide by common prime factors and multiply the divisors:
— 2 × 2 × 3 × 3 = 36
Thus, LCM(12, 18) = 36.
Important glossaries for the LCM of 12 and 18
- 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.