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Last updated on May 26th, 2025

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Finding the LCM of 3 and 6

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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.

Finding the LCM of 3 and 6 for US Students
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What is 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.
 

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How to find the LCM of 3 and 6?

There are various methods to find the LCM, Listing method, prime factorization method and division method are explained below; 
 

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LCM of 3 and 6 Using Listing the Multiples

 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.

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LCM of 3 and 6 Using 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.

 

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

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LCM of 3 and 6 using the Division Method

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.

 

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Common Mistakes and how to avoid them in LCM of 3 and 6

Listed below are a few commonly made mistakes when we try to find the LCM of 3 and 6
 

Mistake 1

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 Confusing LCM for HCF
 

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The HCF of 3 and 6 is 3, and the LCM is 6. 


LCM deals with multiples of the numbers 3 and 6. HCF focuses on divisors.
 

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LCM of 3 and 6 Examples

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Problem 1

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?

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The LCM of 3 and 6 = 6
 

Explanation

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. 
 

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Problem 2

LCM of (3,x) is 6. Find x.

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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
 

Explanation

The value of x can be either 2 or 6 as the LCM of 6 can be obtained using both. 
 

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Problem 3

Is 30 a common multiple of 3 and 6. Verify.

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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
 

Explanation

 30 is a common multiple of both 3 and 6 as there are no remainders left behind on division. 
 

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FAQs on 3 and 6

1.What is the LCM of 3,6 and 2?

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2.What is the LCM of 3 and 6?

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3.What are the factors of 3 and 6?

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4.What is the smallest factor of 3 and 6 ?

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5. Is 3 a prime factor of 6?

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6.How can children in United States use numbers in everyday life to understand Finding the LCM of 3 and 6?

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7.What are some fun ways kids in United States can practice Finding the LCM of 3 and 6 with numbers?

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8.What role do numbers and Finding the LCM of 3 and 6 play in helping children in United States develop problem-solving skills?

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9.How can families in United States create number-rich environments to improve Finding the LCM of 3 and 6 skills?

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Important glossaries for the LCM of 3 and 6

  • Multiple — It is a product of a number and any natural integer. So for 6, 6,12,18,..etc are the multiples. 

 

  • Prime Factor — It is a prime number that one gets after factorization of any given number. Like for 6 - 2,3, and 6 are prime factors as they can be divided by 1 or the number itself.

 

  • Prime Factorization — It is a process of dividing the number into prime factors.

 

  • Co-prime numbers — These are the positive integers where both the numbers can be divided only by 1. 

 

  • Fraction — It is expressed as part of a whole, in which the numerator is divided by the denominator, so for a fraction like 3/6– 3 is the numerator and 6 is the denominator. Proper fraction is where numerator is always lesser than denominator.
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About BrightChamps in United States

At BrightChamps, we believe numbers are more than just figures—they unlock a world full of possibilities! Our goal is to help children throughout the United States master key math skills, focusing today on the Finding the LCM of 3 and 6 with special attention to understanding the LCM—in a way that’s engaging, fun, and easy to grasp. Whether your child is calculating the speed of a roller coaster at Disney World, keeping score during a Little League baseball game, or managing their allowance to save for cool gadgets, knowing numbers builds confidence for everyday life. Our hands-on lessons make learning enjoyable and straightforward. Since kids in the USA have unique learning styles, we customize our methods to match each child’s needs. From the lively streets of New York City to the sunny beaches of California, BrightChamps brings math alive, making it meaningful and exciting all across America. Let’s make the LCM an exciting part of every child’s math adventure!
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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.

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Fun Fact

: She loves to read number jokes and games.

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