Calculate lcm(6, 8)

Step by step

The question

Question: find the least common multiple of 6 and 8.

The multiples of 6 are 6 times 1, 2, 3 and so on.

The least common multiple, the LCM, is the smallest number in both lists.

1 Count up

We count up in 6s: 6, 12, 18 and 24.

Now in 8s: 8, 16 and 24.

We count up in 6s and in 8s.

24 is the first number in both lists.

So the LCM is 24.

Careful: every number goes into the LCM.

So it is never smaller than the biggest one.

2 Check

Let's check: each number goes into 24.

No numbers are left over.

So 24 is right!

Let's look back.

First: count up.

Last: check.