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Solution - Least common multiple (LCM) by prime factorization

80,388
80,388

Step-by-step explanation

1. Find the prime factors of 36

Tree view of the prime factors of 36: 2, 2, 3 and 3

The prime factors of 36 are 2, 2, 3 and 3.

2. Find the prime factors of 11

11 is a prime factor.

3. Find the prime factors of 7

7 is a prime factor.

4. Find the prime factors of 29

29 is a prime factor.

5. Build a prime factors table

Determine the maximum number of times each prime factor (2, 3, 7, 11, 29) occurs in the factorization of the given numbers:

Prime factorNumber36 11 7 29 Max. occurrence
220002
320002
700101
1101001
2900011

The prime factors 7, 11 and 29 occur one time, while 2 and 3 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 = 223371129

LCM = 223271129

LCM = 80,388

The least common multiple of 36, 11, 7 and 29 is 80,388.

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.