Least common multiple, step by step
The least common multiple is the smallest number that two values both divide into.
The question
LCM of 6 and 9
6:61218
6:61218
9:918
6:61218
9:918
6:61218
9:918
LCM=18
- Count up in 6s.
- Now count up in 9s.
- 18 turns up in every list — it is the first number all of them reach.
- Nothing smaller is in all of them, so 18 is the least common multiple.
How it works.
- 01
Count up in 6s.
- 02
Now count up in 9s.
- 03
18 turns up in every list — it is the first number all of them reach.
- 04
Nothing smaller is in all of them, so 18 is the least common multiple.