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Solution - Least common multiple (LCM) by prime factorization

3,276
3,276

Step-by-step explanation

1. Find the prime factors of 52

Tree view of the prime factors of 52: 2, 2 and 13

The prime factors of 52 are 2, 2 and 13.

2. Find the prime factors of 78

Tree view of the prime factors of 78: 2, 3 and 13

The prime factors of 78 are 2, 3 and 13.

3. Find the prime factors of 91

Tree view of the prime factors of 91: 7 and 13

The prime factors of 91 are 7 and 13.

4. Find the prime factors of 117

Tree view of the prime factors of 117: 3, 3 and 13

The prime factors of 117 are 3, 3 and 13.

5. Build a prime factors table

Determine the maximum number of times each prime factor (2, 3, 7, 13) occurs in the factorization of the given numbers:

Prime factorNumber52 78 91 117 Max. occurrence
221002
301022
700101
1311111

The prime factors 7 and 13 occur one time, while 2 and 3 occur more than once.

6. Calculate the LCM

The least common multiple is the product of all factors in the greatest number of their occurrence.

LCM = 2233713

LCM = 2232713

LCM = 3,276

The least common multiple of 52, 78, 91 and 117 is 3,276.

Why learn this

The least common multiple (LCM), sometimes called the lowest common multiple or least common divisor, is helpful for understanding the relationships between numbers. For example, if it takes Earth 365 days to orbit the sun and it takes Venus 225 days to orbit the sun and both are in perfect alignment at the time this scenario is given, how long will it take for Earth and Venus to align again? We can use LCM to determine that the answer would be 16,425 days.

LCM is also a very important part of many mathematical concepts that also have real-world applications. For example, we use LCMs when adding and subtracting fractions, which we use quite frequently.