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Solution - Least common multiple (LCM) by prime factorization

6,160
6,160

Step-by-step explanation

1. Find the prime factors of 7

7 is a prime factor.

2. 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.

3. Find the prime factors of 112

Tree view of the prime factors of 112: 2, 2, 2, 2 and 7

The prime factors of 112 are 2, 2, 2, 2 and 7.

4. Find the prime factors of 154

Tree view of the prime factors of 154: 2, 7 and 11

The prime factors of 154 are 2, 7 and 11.

5. Build a prime factors table

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

Prime factorNumber7 35 112 154 Max. occurrence
200414
501001
711111
1100011

The prime factors 5, 7 and 11 occur one time, while 2 occurs 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 = 22225711

LCM = 245711

LCM = 6,160

The least common multiple of 7, 35, 112 and 154 is 6,160.

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.