How do we define LCM?

LCM, abbreviation for least common multiple, is defined as the smallest number that is the product of two or more numbers 42 and 72

Properties of LCM

  • LCM follows associative property, that means LCM(42, 72) = LCM(72, 42).
  • 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 42 and 72 is 504, where 42 and 72 are less than 504.
  • The LCM of two or more prime numbers is their product.

Steps to find lcm of 42 and 72 by Listing Method

Example: Find lcm of 42 and 72 by Listing Method

  • 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, 1134, 1176, 1218, 1260, 1302, 1344, 1386, 1428, 1470, 1512, 1554, 1596, 1638, 1680, 1722, 1764, 1806, 1848, 1890, 1932, 1974, 2016, 2058, 2100, 2142, 2184, 2226, 2268, 2310, 2352, 2394, 2436, 2478, 2520, 2562, 2604, 2646, 2688, 2730, 2772, 2814, 2856, 2898, 2940, 2982, 3024
  • Multiples of 72: 72, 144, 216, 288, 360, 432, 504, 576, 648, 720, 792, 864, 936, 1008, 1080, 1152, 1224, 1296, 1368, 1440, 1512, 1584, 1656, 1728, 1800, 1872, 1944, 2016, 2088, 2160, 2232, 2304, 2376, 2448, 2520, 2592, 2664, 2736, 2808, 2880, 2952, 3024

Hence, LCM of 42 and 72 is 504.

Steps to find LCM of 42 and 72 by Common Division Method

Example: Find lcm of 42 and 72 by Common Division Method

2 42 72
2 21 36
2 21 18
3 21 9
3 7 3
7 7 1
1 1

Hence, LCM of 42 and 72 is 2 x 2 x 2 x 3 x 3 x 7 = 504.

Steps to find lcm of 42 and 72 by Formula

Example: Find lcm of 42 and 72 by Formula

  • GCF of 42 and 72 = 6
  • LCM of 42 and 72 = (42 x 72) / 6
  • => 3024 / 6

Hence, LCM of 42 and 72 is 504.

Examples

A shopkeeper sells candies in packet of 42 and chocolates in packet of 72. 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 42 and 72.
So, LCM of 42 and 72 is 504.

Both the cricket team and the rugby team had games, today. The cricket team plays every 42 days and the basketball team plays every 72 days. When will both teams have games on the same day again?

Given that the cricket team plays every 42 days and the basketball team plays every 72 days, so for finding the next time when both teams will play again we need to find the LCM of 42 and 72.
So, LCM of 42 and 72 is 504.

Steve spends 42 dollars every day while George spends 72 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 42 and 72.
So, LCM of 42 and 72 is 504.

Sammy's company prints 42 textbooks at a time. Daniel's company prints textbooks in sets of 72 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 42 and 72.
So, LCM of 42 and 72 is 504.

Ariel exercises every 42 days and Rubel every 72 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 42 and 72 is 504.

Find the least common multiple of 42 and 72.

Least common multiple of 42 and 72 is 504.

Find the least number which is exactly divisible by 42 and 72.

Least number which is exactly divisible by 42 and 72 is 504.