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Solution - Least common multiple (LCM) by prime factorization

5,460
5,460

Step-by-step explanation

1. Find the prime factors of 60

Tree view of the prime factors of 60: 2, 2, 3 and 5

The prime factors of 60 are 2, 2, 3 and 5.

2. Find the prime factors of 70

Tree view of the prime factors of 70: 2, 5 and 7

The prime factors of 70 are 2, 5 and 7.

3. Find the prime factors of 78

Tree view of the prime factors of 78: 2, 3 and 13

The prime factors of 78 are 2, 3 and 13.

4. Find the prime factors of 91

Tree view of the prime factors of 91: 7 and 13

The prime factors of 91 are 7 and 13.

5. Build a prime factors table

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

Prime factorNumber60 70 78 91 Max. occurrence
221102
310101
511001
701011
1300111

The prime factors 3, 5, 7 and 13 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 = 2235713

LCM = 2235713

LCM = 5,460

The least common multiple of 60, 70, 78 and 91 is 5,460.

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.