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Last updated on May 26th, 2025

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LCM of 5 and 8

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LCM is a common multiple, the smallest value between the numbers 5 and 8. Did you know? We apply LCM unknowingly in everyday situations like setting alarms and to synchronize traffic lights and when making music.

LCM of 5 and 8 for US Students
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What is the LCM of 5 and 8?

The LCM of 5 and 8 is 40. We can find the LCM using the Listing multiples method, the prime factorization method and the long division method. These are explained below. 
 

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LCM of 5 and 8 Using Listing the Multiples

Step 1: Write down the multiples of the numbers. Don’t stop too early.


Multiples of 5 = 5,10,15,20,25,30,35,40,…

 

Multiples of 8 = 8, 16,24,32,40,…


Step 2: Find the smallest number common between the written multiples of 5 and 8


The smallest common multiple is 40


Thus, LCM(5,8) = 40

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LCM of 5 and 8 Using Prime Factorization

Step 1:  factorize the numbers into its prime factors 


5 = 5×1


8 = 2×2×2


Step 2: find the highest powers of the factors of 5 and 8


Step 3: Multiply the highest powers 


LCM(5,8) = 40

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LCM of 5 and 8 Using Division Method

  • Write the numbers 5,8 in a row 

 

  • Divide them by their common prime factors, if there is one

 

  • Carry forward the numbers that are left undivided by the previously chosen factor

 

  • Continue dividing until the remainder is ‘1’ 

 

  • Multiply the divisors to find the LCM

 

  • LCM(5,8) = 40
     
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Common Mistakes and how to avoid them while finding the LCM of 5 and 8

Listed here are a few mistakes that one can commit when trying to find the LCM of the numbers 5 and 8. Try to avoid them. 
 

Mistake 1

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 Listing incorrect multiples 

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 If the LCM of given numbers is 40, double-check that the number appears on the list of both 5 and 8.

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LCM of 5 and 8, Examples

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Problem 1

One cookie jar is filled every 5 hours, and the candy jar is filled every 8 hours. If the jars started filling at the same time, how long will it take for the both of them to be filled?

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The LCM of 5 and 8 is 40.
 

Explanation

Both jars will be filled at the same time again in 40 hours, which is the LCM of the given numbers, expressing the smallest time interval. 
 

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Problem 2

Find the LCM of 5² and 8².

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52=25


82=64


Now find the LCM of 25 and 64. The prime factorizations are:


25=52


64=22


The LCM is found by taking the highest powers of all prime factors:


LCM(25,64)=52×26=25×64=1600
 

Explanation

So, the LCM is 1600.
 

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Problem 3

By what percentage must 5 be increased to reach the LCM of 5 and 8?

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The LCM of 5 and 8 is 40. Now, calculate the percentage increase from 5 to 40:


Percentage Increase=(540−5​)/5×100=35/5​×100=700%
 

Explanation

So, 5 must be increased by 700% to reach 40.

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FAQ’s on LCM of 5 and 8

1.What is the LCM of 4,5 and 8?

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2.What is the HCF of 5 and 8?

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3.What are the factors of 8 and 5?

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4.What is the LCM of 12 and 15?

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5.What is the LCM of 16 and 20?

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6.How can children in United States use numbers in everyday life to understand LCM of 5 and 8?

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7.What are some fun ways kids in United States can practice LCM of 5 and 8 with numbers?

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8.What role do numbers and LCM of 5 and 8 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 LCM of 5 and 8 skills?

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Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Important glossaries for LCM of 5 and 8

  • Multiple — product of a number and a natural integer 

 

  • Prime factor — number one gets after prime factorization any given number 

 

  • Prime factorization — the process of breaking the number into its prime factors. 


 

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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 LCM of 5 and 8 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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