LCM: ladder method

 LCM

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In this article, we will be discussing what LCMs are and what the ladder method is.

LCM

In order to know how to add and subtract fractions, we need to know what LCM means. LCM stands for "least common multiple", and it's the smallest multiple two numbers share. For example, the LCM of 12 and 24 is 24, since 24 is a multiple of both numbers, and it's the smallest out of all the common multiples both numbers share, such as 48 and 72. Now, let's discuss the ladder method, which is used to find LCM

The ladder

To use the ladder method, we must first make an L shape and put our numbers in the L (make sure there's space between them), like this:

Then, we must put a factor of both of these numbers on the left of the L, as shown below:
Next, we will divide our numbers by the factor they both share, and put the result below the L., like so:
And then we continue on and on until we can't divide any further, like above. When we can't anymore, we will take all the numbers around the L and multiply them to each other:
The LCM will be the result of the multiplication. Here is the LCM of 8 and 6:
Therefore, the LCM of 8 and 6 is 24.
Here are a few other examples to clarify:








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