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Solution - Least common multiple (LCM) by prime factorization

948,290
948,290

Step-by-step explanation

1. Find the prime factors of 23

23 is a prime factor.

2. Find the prime factors of 31

31 is a prime factor.

3. Find the prime factors of 35

Tree view of the prime factors of 35: 5 and 7

The prime factors of 35 are 5 and 7.

4. Find the prime factors of 38

Tree view of the prime factors of 38: 2 and 19

The prime factors of 38 are 2 and 19.

5. Build a prime factors table

Determine the maximum number of times each prime factor (2, 5, 7, 19, 23, 31) occurs in the factorization of the given numbers:

Prime factorNumber23 31 35 38 Max. occurrence
200011
500101
700101
1900011
2310001
3101001

The prime factors 2, 5, 7, 19, 23 and 31 occur one time.

6. Calculate the LCM

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

LCM = 257192331

LCM = 948,290

The least common multiple of 23, 31, 35 and 38 is 948,290.

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.