6th Grade · The Number System
Least Common Multiple
6.NS.B.4
Definition
The smallest multiple that two or more numbers have in common.
Examples
- Multiples of 4: 4,8,12,16,20. Multiples of 6: 6,12,18,24. Common multiples: 12, 24 — least is 12.
- LCM is used to find a common denominator.
Key rule
The LCM is the smallest number that both original numbers divide into evenly.
Memory hook
Smallest number they both multiply into.