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Solution - Least common multiple (LCM) by prime factorization

27,720
27,720

Step-by-step explanation

1. Find the prime factors of 44

Tree view of the prime factors of 44: 2, 2 and 11

The prime factors of 44 are 2, 2 and 11.

2. Find the prime factors of 126

Tree view of the prime factors of 126: 2, 3, 3 and 7

The prime factors of 126 are 2, 3, 3 and 7.

3. Find the prime factors of 198

Tree view of the prime factors of 198: 2, 3, 3 and 11

The prime factors of 198 are 2, 3, 3 and 11.

4. Find the prime factors of 280

Tree view of the prime factors of 280: 2, 2, 2, 5 and 7

The prime factors of 280 are 2, 2, 2, 5 and 7.

5. Build a prime factors table

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

Prime factorNumber44 126 198 280 Max. occurrence
221133
302202
500011
701011
1110101

The prime factors 5, 7 and 11 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 = 222335711

LCM = 23325711

LCM = 27,720

The least common multiple of 44, 126, 198 and 280 is 27,720.

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.