What is LCM of two numbers?

In mathematics, least common multiple which is commonly known as LCM is defined as the smallest non-zero number which is divisible by both given numbers 26 and 42.

Properties of LCM

  • LCM follows associative property, that means LCM(26, 42) = LCM(42, 26).
  • LCM follows commutative property, which means LCM(a, b, c) = LCM(LCM(a, b), c) = LCM(a, LCM(b, c)).
  • LCM follows distributive property, which means LCM(ab, bc, ad) = d * LCM(x, y, z).
  • The LCM of two given numbers is never less than any of those numbers. Eg- LCM of 26 and 42 is 546, where 26 and 42 are less than 546.
  • The LCM of two or more prime numbers is their product.

Steps to find lcm of 26 and 42 by Listing Method

Example: Find lcm of 26 and 42 by Listing Method

  • Multiples of 26: 26, 52, 78, 104, 130, 156, 182, 208, 234, 260, 286, 312, 338, 364, 390, 416, 442, 468, 494, 520, 546, 572, 598, 624, 650, 676, 702, 728, 754, 780, 806, 832, 858, 884, 910, 936, 962, 988, 1014, 1040, 1066, 1092
  • Multiples of 42: 42, 84, 126, 168, 210, 252, 294, 336, 378, 420, 462, 504, 546, 588, 630, 672, 714, 756, 798, 840, 882, 924, 966, 1008, 1050, 1092

Hence, LCM of 26 and 42 is 546.

Steps to find LCM of 26 and 42 by Common Division Method

Example: Find lcm of 26 and 42 by Common Division Method

2 26 42
3 13 21
7 13 7
13 13 1
1 1

Hence, LCM of 26 and 42 is 2 x 3 x 7 x 13 = 546.

Steps to find lcm of 26 and 42 by Formula

Example: Find lcm of 26 and 42 by Formula

  • GCF of 26 and 42 = 2
  • LCM of 26 and 42 = (26 x 42) / 2
  • => 1092 / 2

Hence, LCM of 26 and 42 is 546.

Examples

A shopkeeper sells candies in packet of 26 and chocolates in packet of 42. What is the least number of candies and chocolates Annie should buy so that there will be one candy for each chocolate?

The least number of candies and chocolates Annie should buy so that there will be one candy for each chocolate we need to find the lcm of 26 and 42.
So, LCM of 26 and 42 is 546.

Both the cricket team and the rugby team had games, today. The cricket team plays every 26 days and the basketball team plays every 42 days. When will both teams have games on the same day again?

Given that the cricket team plays every 26 days and the basketball team plays every 42 days, so for finding the next time when both teams will play again we need to find the LCM of 26 and 42.
So, LCM of 26 and 42 is 546.

Steve spends 26 dollars every day while George spends 42 dollars every day. What is the least number of days it will take each person to spend the same amount of money?

To find the least number of days that would be taken to be able to spend the same amount of dollars we need to find the LCM of 26 and 42.
So, LCM of 26 and 42 is 546.

Sammy's company prints 26 textbooks at a time. Daniel's company prints textbooks in sets of 42 at a time. According to a survey done by a committee, both companies printed the same number of textbooks last year. Find the least number of books that each company would have printed.

To find the least number of textbooks that each company could have printed we need to find the LCM of 26 and 42.
So, LCM of 26 and 42 is 546.

Ariel exercises every 26 days and Rubel every 42 days. They both excercised today. How many days will it be until they excercise together again?

The problem can be solved using LCM, because we are trying to figure out the least time until they excercise together again.
So, LCM of 26 and 42 is 546.

Find the least common multiple of 26 and 42.

Least common multiple of 26 and 42 is 546.

Find the least number which is exactly divisible by 26 and 42.

Least number which is exactly divisible by 26 and 42 is 546.