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Year 6 · Multiplication

Lowest common multiple

The lowest common multiple (LCM) is the smallest number that is in both times tables.

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How to do it

  1. Write the first few multiples of each number.
  2. Find the first number that appears in both lists.

Worked example

What is the lowest common multiple of 36 and 18?
Multiples of 36: 36, 72, 108, 144, … Multiples of 18: 18, 36, 54, 72, … The first number in both lists is 36.
Answer: 36

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The LCM is not always the two numbers multiplied.

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