Last updated on May 26th, 2025
The LCM is a tool that is used to find the smallest common number between the given numbers. It helps us to coordinate schedules, organizing and solving math problems. Let’s learn more about the LCM of 18,24 and 36.
The LCM of 18,24 and 36 is 72.
This answer can be found using different methods, they are explained below.
The LCM can be found by using the listing multiples method, the prime factorization method and the division method.
In the listing multiples methods, we list down the multiples of each of the numbers and find the smallest common multiple from the list.
In case of 18,24 and 36;
Multiples of-
18 = 18,36,54,72,...
24=24,48,72,...
36 = 36,72,...
LCM(18,24,36) = 72
Here, we break the numbers to their prime factors and then multiply the highest powers of each of the factors to get the LCM.
In case of 18,24 and 36;
Step 1: Prime factorize the numbers,
18 = 3×3×2
24= 2×2×2×3
36 = 2×2×3×3
Step 2: Find the highest powers
Highest powers of 2 = 23 , from 24
Highest powers of 3 = 32 , from 18 and 36
Step 3: LCM of the numbers is found by multiplying the highest powers
23×32 = 8×9 = 72
LCM(18,24,36) = 72
Follow the below instructions to find the LCM using the division method;
1.Write the numbers, 18,24,36 in a row
2.Start dividing the numbers with a prime factor that is divisible by at least one of the numbers
3.Continue to bring down the numbers if they are left undivided by the previously chosen factor
4.Conclude the division when the result of the last row is just ‘1’.
5.Multiply the divisors on the first column to get the LCM.
LCM(18,24,36) = 72
Listed below are a few common mistakes one may commit when learning to find the LCM of 18,24 and 36.
Find x. LCM(18,24,x)=72.
LCM of 18 and 24 = 72
The LCM of 18,24 and x should be a number that is divisible by all three numbers.
The LCM remains as 72.
Common factors of 72 = 1,2,3,6,12,18,24,36,72.
the possible values for x will be any one of the listed factors. The LCM with all of the numbers above still remains as 72.
Verify if the LCM and the HCF of 18,24 and 36 are related.
Relationship between LCM and HCF -
LCM(a,b,c)×HCF(a,b,c) = a×b×c
LCM of 18,24,36 = 72
HCF of 18,24,36 = 6
Applying the formula
LCM(a,b,c)×HCF(a,b,c) = a×b×c
72×6 = 18×24×36
432=432
The equation holds good, LHS = RHS.
Machine A beeps every 18 minutes, machine B every 24 minutes and machine C every 36 minutes. When will they next beep together?
The LCM of the numbers is 72.
The smallest common time interval between the machines is 72 minutes, i.e., they will beep together in 72 minutes.
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.