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Last updated on September 17th, 2024
The Least common multiple (LCM) is the smallest number that is divisible by the numbers 2 and 5. 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.
The LCM of 2 and 5 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.
There are various methods to find the LCM, Listing method, prime factorization method and division method are explained below;
The LCM of 2 and 5 can be calculated using the following steps:
Steps:
— Multiples of 2 = 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, …
— Multiples of 5 = 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, …
— The smallest common multiple is 10.
Thus, LCM(2, 5) = 10
The prime factors of each number are written, and then the highest power of the prime factors is multiplied to get the LCM.
Steps:
— Prime factorization of 2 = 2
— Prime factorization of 5 = 5
— Highest power of 2 = 2
— Highest power of 5 = 5
LCM(2, 5) = 2 × 5 = 10.
This method involves dividing the numbers by their common prime factors and multiplying the divisors to obtain the LCM.
Steps:
— Write the numbers, divide by common prime factors and multiply the divisors.
— 2 × 5 = 10
Thus, LCM(2, 5) = 10