Last updated on May 26th, 2025
When we synchronize events, make music or even when we set alarms, we use the LCM. In this article, we will discuss the LCM of 3 and 6.
6 is the LCM of 3 and 6.
The smallest positive integer and a multiple of both numbers is the LCM.
There are various methods to find the LCM, Listing method, prime factorization method and division method are explained below;
use the following steps to find the LCM
Step 1: Write down the multiples of each number
— Multiples of 3 = 3,6,9,12,18 …
— Multiples of 6 = 6, 12,18,24,…
Step 2: Ascertain the smallest multiple from the listed multiples
— The smallest common multiple is 6.
Thus, LCM(3, 6) = 6.
The prime factors of each number are written, and then the highest power of the prime factors is multiplied to get the LCM.
Step1: Write the prime factors of the numbers:
— Prime factorization of
3 = 3
6 = 2×3
Step2: Pick the highest powers of each prime factor:
— Highest power of 3 = 3
— Highest power of 6 = 2
Step3: highest powers are to be multiplied to get the LCM:
LCM(3, 6) = 3 × 2= 6
Step 1: Write the numbers in a row
Step 2: Divide by common prime factors and multiply the divisors:
— 3 × 2 = 6
Thus, LCM(3, 6) = 6.
Listed below are a few commonly made mistakes when we try to find the LCM of 3 and 6
Helicopter A and Helicopter B take trips every 3 hours and 6 hours to distribute food at the same time. In how long will they land together?
The LCM of 3 and 6 = 6
The smallest common multiple is ascertained between the numbers to ascertain the next arrival of the helicopters in 6 hours. LCM expresses the smallest common time interval between the given digits.
LCM of (3,x) is 6. Find x.
The LCM of x and 3 is 6, which means that the possible value of x is a divisor of 6. The divisors of 6 are 1,2,3,6.
Now we check for each of the factors;
LCM (3,1) = 3
LCM (3,2) =6
LCM (3,3) = 3
LCM (3,6) = 6
The value of x can be either 2 or 6 as the LCM of 6 can be obtained using both.
Is 30 a common multiple of 3 and 6. Verify.
To check if 30 is a common multiple of 3 and 6, we check the divisibility of the numbers;
30/3 = 10
30/6 = 5
30 is a common multiple of both 3 and 6 as there are no remainders left behind on division.
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.