STEP 1

Express each number as a

product of its prime factors
36 = 22 x 32
40 = 23 x 5
84 = 22 x 3 x 7
 STEP 2
Extract all of the FACTORS and then
select the factor with the HIGHEST
POWER.
36 = 22 x 32
40 = 23 x 5
84 = 22 x 3 x 7
The factors selected are: 23, 32, 5
and 7
 STEP 3
Find the product of the selected
factors
L.C.M.= 23 x 32 x 5 x 7 = 8 x 9 x 5 x 7
= 2520
 EXAMPLES
Find the L.C.M of (a) 12 and 18
(b) 36, 40 and 80
SOLUTION
(a) 12 = 2 x 2 x 3 = 22 x 3
18 = 2 x 3 x 3 =2 x 32
Factors chosen are :22 and 32
Therefore L.C.M. = 22 x 32= 4 x 9 = 36
 EXAMPLES
SOLUTION
(b) 36 = 22x 32 40= 23 x 5 80 = 24 x 5

Factors chosen are: 24, 32and 5

L.C.M. =24 x 32 x 5 =16 x 9 x 5 = 720

 QUIZ
(1) Find the L.C.M. of (a) 20, 50 (b) 18, 36,
42
(2) Find the least sum of money into
which 24¢, 30¢ and 54¢ will divide exactly.
(3) Two toy cars travel around a track, one
completing the circuit in 8 seconds and the
other in 12 seconds. If they leave the
starting line together how long will it be
before they are side by side again?
 ANSWERS
(1) (a) 100 (b) 252

(2) 1080¢ or $10.80

(3) 24 seconds