Enter an equation or problem
Camera input is not recognized!

Solution - Least common multiple (LCM) by prime factorization

769,860
769,860

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 47

47 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 39

Tree view of the prime factors of 39: 3 and 13

The prime factors of 39 are 3 and 13.

5. Build a prime factors table

Determine the maximum number of times each prime factor (2, 3, 5, 7, 13, 47) occurs in the factorization of the given numbers:

Prime factorNumber36 47 35 39 Max. occurrence
220002
320012
500101
700101
1300011
4701001

The prime factors 5, 7, 13 and 47 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 = 2233571347

LCM = 2232571347

LCM = 769,860

The least common multiple of 36, 47, 35 and 39 is 769,860.

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.