This week I learned how to find the Lowest Common Multiple of 2 or more numbers. This is something I struggled with earlier this week. While doing my homework, I compared my answers with the real ones and when I got something wrong I retraced my steps and fixed any errors.

To find the Lowest Common Multiple of: Ex. 12, 30, and 105

1. Create a factor tree or factor table.
2. Sort the prime numbers from lowest to highest for 12, 30 and 105
3. make into exponents.
4. sort into groups- Notice that there is sometimes a prime number that is not a prime factor of another number. In this case you need to make that prime number to the power of 0 in the group that does not have that prime factor. Ex. 2 is a prime factor of 12 and 30 but not of 105. you need to write it like this- 12= 2 to the power of 2, 30= 2 to the power of 1 and, 105= 2 to the power of 0.
5. You have now sorted into groups 🙂
6. Chose the highest exponent from each group.
7. Multiply the numbers you have chosen
8. You should be left with the LCM of 12, 30 and 105. Good Job!

See below for pictures