Define, discuss, and give one example (problem with solution).

1. What is LCM
LCM – Least Common Multiple / Lowest Common Multiple
LCM – is the smallest common multiple of two or more numbers.

Examples:
1. Find the lowest number which is exactly divisible by 32 and 48.
Solution: We find the LCM of 32 and 48 to get the required number.

32= 64 96 128 160 192

48= 96 144 192

Therefore, 192 is the least common multiple

OR

2 32 , 48
4 16 , 24
4, 6

L.C.M = 2×4×4×6= 192

Therefore, 192 is the required number.

2. A shopkeeper sells mugs in a box of 12 and Kopiko coffee in packs of 24. What is the least number of
mugs and Kopiko Coffee Natasha should buy for her visitors so that there will be one mug for each
Kopiko coffee.

Solution: To find a quantity which is the lowest common multiple of different quantities, we find the
LCM.

Multiples of 12 are 12, 24, 36, 48…

Multiples of 24 are 48, 72, 96…

The lowest common multiple is 48. So, the least number of mugs and Kopiko coffee that Natasha should
buy is 48.

2. What is GCF

GCF – Greatest Common Factor

GCF – is the largest common factor of two or more numbers.

Examples:
1. Find the greatest common factor of 24 and 32.

Solution: The prime factorization of 32 and 46 are:

24= 2×3×2×2

32= 2×2×2×2×2

GCF of 24 and 32 = 2×2×2= 8

2. Natasha baked 30 chocolate cupcakes and 48 strawberry cupcakes to package in cupcake box for her
colleagues at work. She wants to divide the cupcakes into identical cupcake box so that each box has
the same number of each kind of cupcakes. If she wants each box to have the greatest number of
cupcakes possible, how many cupcakes box does she need?

Solution:

30= 2×3×5

48= 2×2×2×2×3

GCF= 2×3= 6

Natasha needs 6 cupcake boxes for her cupcakes.