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
- Create a factor tree or factor table.
- Sort the prime numbers from lowest to highest for 12, 30 and 105
- make into exponents.
- 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.
- You have now sorted into groups 🙂
- Chose the highest exponent from each group.
- Multiply the numbers you have chosen
- You should be left with the LCM of 12, 30 and 105. Good Job!
See below for pictures