Number

LCM (Lowest Common Multiple)

The smallest positive number that is a multiple of two or more numbers.

Definition

Find by listing multiples of each, or by prime factorisation: take all primes that appear, with the highest power. The LCM of 4 and 6 is 12.

Example

LCM of 6 and 8. Multiples of 6: 6, 12, 18, 24. Multiples of 8: 8, 16, 24. LCM = 24.

Used in these topics

Related terms

HCF (Highest Common Factor)

The largest number that divides exactly into two or more numbers.

Multiple

A number found by multiplying another by an integer. Multiples of 5: 5, 10, 15, 20, ...

Practise GCSE Maths topics with instant examiner-style marking — every term in context.