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Solution - Least common multiple (LCM) by prime factorization

257,550
257,550

Step-by-step explanation

1. Find the prime factors of 10

Tree view of the prime factors of 10: 2 and 5

The prime factors of 10 are 2 and 5.

2. Find the prime factors of 15

Tree view of the prime factors of 15: 3 and 5

The prime factors of 15 are 3 and 5.

3. Find the prime factors of 25,755

Tree view of the prime factors of 25,755: 3, 5, 17 and 101

The prime factors of 25,755 are 3, 5, 17 and 101.

4. Find the prime factors of 25

Tree view of the prime factors of 25: 5 and 5

The prime factors of 25 are 5 and 5.

5. Build a prime factors table

Determine the maximum number of times each prime factor (2, 3, 5, 17, 101) occurs in the factorization of the given numbers:

Prime factorNumber10 15 25,75525 Max. occurrence
210001
301101
511122
1700101
10100101

The prime factors 2, 3, 17 and 101 occur one time, while 5 occurs more than once.

6. Calculate the LCM

The least common multiple is the product of all factors in the greatest number of their occurrence.

LCM = 235517101

LCM = 235217101

LCM = 257,550

The least common multiple of 10, 15, 25,755 and 25 is 257,550.

Why learn this

The least common multiple (LCM), sometimes called the lowest common multiple or least common divisor, is helpful for understanding the relationships between numbers. For example, if it takes Earth 365 days to orbit the sun and it takes Venus 225 days to orbit the sun and both are in perfect alignment at the time this scenario is given, how long will it take for Earth and Venus to align again? We can use LCM to determine that the answer would be 16,425 days.

LCM is also a very important part of many mathematical concepts that also have real-world applications. For example, we use LCMs when adding and subtracting fractions, which we use quite frequently.