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Solution - Least common multiple (LCM) by prime factorization

420,420
420,420

Step-by-step explanation

1. Find the prime factors of 196

Tree view of the prime factors of 196: 2, 2, 7 and 7

The prime factors of 196 are 2, 2, 7 and 7.

2. Find the prime factors of 210

Tree view of the prime factors of 210: 2, 3, 5 and 7

The prime factors of 210 are 2, 3, 5 and 7.

3. Find the prime factors of 462

Tree view of the prime factors of 462: 2, 3, 7 and 11

The prime factors of 462 are 2, 3, 7 and 11.

4. Find the prime factors of 910

Tree view of the prime factors of 910: 2, 5, 7 and 13

The prime factors of 910 are 2, 5, 7 and 13.

5. Build a prime factors table

Determine the maximum number of times each prime factor (2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13) occurs in the factorization of the given numbers:

Prime factorNumber196 210 462 910 Max. occurrence
221112
301101
501011
721112
1100101
1300011

The prime factors 3, 5, 11 and 13 occur one time, while 2 and 7 occur 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 = 2235771113

LCM = 2235721113

LCM = 420,420

The least common multiple of 196, 210, 462 and 910 is 420,420.

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.