Calculating LCM with Multiple Prime Factors

  • MHB
  • Thread starter karush
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In summary, the LCM of $\{A,B,C\}$ is equal to the product of the highest powers of each prime factor in the prime factorization of the numbers in the set. In this case, the LCM is $2^3 \cdot 3^2 \cdot 5 \cdot 7^2 \cdot 11^9 \cdot 17^9 \cdot 19^8 \cdot 23^8$.
  • #1
karush
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MHB
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$\tiny{c4.LCM of \{A,B,C\}}$

diagrams_20211210132541~2.png
added image to avoid typo

Build the LCM of $\{A,B,C\}$
Then write the prime factorization of the LCM of $\{A,B,C\}$.
$A = 2 \cdot 3 \cdot 7^2 \cdot 19$
$B = 2^2 \cdot 17^9 \cdot 19^8 \cdot 23^8$
$C = 2^6 \cdot 3 \cdot 11^9 \cdot 19$
$LCM of \{A,B,C\}=\boxed{?}$

ok well to start with $\{A,B,C\}$. all have a common factor of 2 and 19
the lowest of 2 is 2 and the lowest of 19 is 19

so LCM $\{A,B,C\}$.=(2)(3)(7^2)(17^9)(19)(23^8)
 
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  • #2
NO! For "least common multiple" you take the HIGHEST power of each prime, not the lowest.
 
  • #3
write the prime factorization of the LCM of $\{A,B,C\}$.
$A = 2 \cdot 3 \cdot 7^2 \cdot 19$
$B = 2^2 \cdot 17^9 \cdot 19^8 \cdot 23^8$
$C = 2^6 \cdot 3 \cdot 11^9 \cdot 19$

so LCM $\{A,B,C\}$ = (2^6)(3)(7^2)(17^9)(19^8)(23^8)

hopefully

however only 2 and 19 are only in all 3 sets?
 
  • #4
Yes, so what is your question?

If you were asked to find the least common multiple of 2, 3, and 5, you should respond with 2(3)(5)= 30, even though NONE of those factors are in all 3 numbers.
 
  • #5
ok I don't see 5 in there
Country Boy said:
NO! For "least common multiple" you take the HIGHEST power of each prime, not the lowest.
write the prime factorization of the LCM of $\{A,B,C\}$.
$A = 2 \cdot 3 \cdot 7^2 \cdot 19$
$B = 2^2 \cdot 17^9 \cdot 19^8 \cdot 23^8$
$C = 2^6 \cdot 3 \cdot 11^9 \cdot 19$

so then LCM $\{A,B,C\} = (2^6)(3)(7^2)(11^9)(17^9)(19^8)(23^8)$
)
 
  • #6
Lcm is the least common factor the number which is multiples of all numbers for example Lcm of 3 and 4 is 12
the other method is prime factorization.

Step 1: Express each number as a product of prime factors.

Step 2: LCM = The product of the highest powers of all prime factors.Step 1 : Express each number as a product of prime factors.

18 = 2 × 32

24 = 23 × 3

9 = 32

36 = 23 × 32

90 = 2 × 5 × 32

Step 2: LCM = The product of the highest powers of all prime factors.

Here the prime factors are 2, 3 and 5

The highest power of 2 here = 23

The highest power of 3 here = 32

The highest power of 5 here = 5

Hence LCM = 23 × 32 × 5 = 360
 
  • #7
sumaira, good post but it would be easier to read if you were to use "^" to indicate exponents.
sumaira said:
Lcm is the least common factor the number which is multiples of all numbers for example Lcm of 3 and 4 is 12
the other method is prime factorization.

Step 1: Express each number as a product of prime factors.

Step 2: LCM = The product of the highest powers of all prime factors.Step 1 : Express each number as a product of prime factors.

18 = 2 × 32
18= 2 x 3^2 so I won't think that is "thirty two"!

24 = 23 × 3
24= 2^3 x 3

9 = 32
9= 3^2

36 = 23 × 32
36= 2^3 x 3^2

90 = 2 × 5 × 32
90= 2 x 5 x 3^2

Step 2: LCM = The product of the highest powers of all prime factors.

Here the prime factors are 2, 3 and 5

The highest power of 2 here = 23
2^3

The highest power of 3 here = 32
3^2

The highest power of 5 here = 5

Hence LCM = 23 × 32 × 5 = 360
2^2 x 3^2 x 5= 360
(23 x 32 x 5= 3680!)
 
  • #8
yeah i understand next time I will use this notation for power
 

FAQ: Calculating LCM with Multiple Prime Factors

What is the LCM of a set of numbers?

The LCM (Least Common Multiple) of a set of numbers is the smallest positive integer that is divisible by all of the numbers in the set.

How do I calculate the LCM of a set of numbers?

To calculate the LCM of a set of numbers, you can use the prime factorization method. First, find the prime factors of each number in the set. Then, multiply the highest power of each prime factor together to get the LCM.

What is the difference between LCM and GCD?

LCM (Least Common Multiple) is the smallest positive integer that is divisible by all of the numbers in a set, while GCD (Greatest Common Divisor) is the largest positive integer that divides all of the numbers in a set without remainder.

Can the LCM of a set of numbers be 0?

No, the LCM of a set of numbers cannot be 0. This is because 0 is not a positive integer and the LCM is defined as the smallest positive integer that is divisible by all of the numbers in the set.

Can the LCM of a set of numbers be negative?

No, the LCM of a set of numbers cannot be negative. This is because the LCM is defined as the smallest positive integer that is divisible by all of the numbers in the set.

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