Enter an equation or problem
Camera input is not recognized!

Solution - Least common multiple (LCM) by prime factorization

455,400
455,400

Step-by-step explanation

1. Find the prime factors of 2,200

Tree view of the prime factors of 2,200: 2, 2, 2, 5, 5 and 11

The prime factors of 2,200 are 2, 2, 2, 5, 5 and 11.

2. Find the prime factors of 360

Tree view of the prime factors of 360: 2, 2, 2, 3, 3 and 5

The prime factors of 360 are 2, 2, 2, 3, 3 and 5.

3. Find the prime factors of 460

Tree view of the prime factors of 460: 2, 2, 5 and 23

The prime factors of 460 are 2, 2, 5 and 23.

4. Find the prime factors of 180

Tree view of the prime factors of 180: 2, 2, 3, 3 and 5

The prime factors of 180 are 2, 2, 3, 3 and 5.

5. Build a prime factors table

Determine the maximum number of times each prime factor (2, 3, 5, 11, 23) occurs in the factorization of the given numbers:

Prime factorNumber2,200360 460 180 Max. occurrence
233223
302022
521112
1110001
2300101

The prime factors 11 and 23 occur one time, while 2, 3 and 5 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 = 22233551123

LCM = 2332521123

LCM = 455,400

The least common multiple of 2,200, 360, 460 and 180 is 455,400.

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.