Why multiplying two numbers rarely gives you their smallest common multiple
In short: Mastering the Least Common Multiple (LCM) is a cornerstone of arithmetic. This video breaks down the logic behind finding the smallest shared multiple using two distinct methods, ensuring you can solve complex problems for upcoming exams.
This clip examines what constitutes the Lowest Common Multiple (LCM), a term frequently used interchangeably with Least Common Multiple. It clarifies a common misconception: simply multiplying two numbers together does not always result in the smallest common multiple.
Viewers learn two primary techniques: listing multiples, where you identify the first shared number in a sequence, and prime factorization, a more advanced method suitable for various global curricula including the UK's GCSE courses.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: How to find the Lowest Common Multiple (LCM) (2026/27 exams)
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