Lowest Common Multiple

Lowest Common Multiple (LCM)

The LCM of 2 numbers is the smallest number that can be divided by both numbers.

For example, the LCM of 12 and 18 is 36 as 36 can be divided by both 12 and 18.

Like the HCF, the LCM can also be applied to 3 or more numbers.

LCM Calculator

Use the applet below to find the LCM of 2 numbers using the Prime-Factorisation method.

Test Yourself!

Use the applet below to check your understanding of HCF and LCM.

Product of HCF and LCM

A useful property of HCF and LCM is that its product is equals to the product of the original numbers. This only works for HCF and LCM of 2 numbers.

HCF(m, n) × LCM(m, n) = m × n