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The smallest common multiple of two or more numbers is called the lowest
common multiple (LCM).
E.g. Multiples of 8 are 8, 16, 24, 32, …
Multiples of 3 are 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18,
21, 24, …
In general:
To find the lowest common multiple (LCM) of two or more numbers, list the
multiples of the larger number and stop when you find a multiple of the
other number. This is the LCM.
Example 3
Find the lowest common multiple of 6 and 9.
Solution:
List the multiples of 9 and stop when you find a multiple of 6.
Multiples of 9 are 9, 18, …
Multiples of 6 are 6, 12, 18, …
Example 4
Find the lowest common multiple of 5, 6 and 8.
Solution:
List the multiples of 8 and stop when you find a multiple of both 5 and
6.
Multiples of 8 are 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48, 56, 64, 72, 80, 88, 96, 104,
112, 120, …
Stop at 120 as it is a multiple of both 5 and 6.
So, the LCM of 5, 6 and 8 is 120.
Key Terms
lowest common multiple, LCM
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