But in all honesty, they require the same math process, so many teachers and students use these two phrases as synonyms.īut, regardless of what the technique is called, the process for finding the greatest common factor and the least common multiple is very straightforward. So, the LCD is a subset or special case of the LCM. The LCM is how we find common multiples of two or more numbers, whereas the LCD is the least common multiple in a fraction’s denominator. Sometimes, they will be used interchangeably. The alternative terminologies for the Greatest Common Factor (GCF) are:Īnd while there are no alternate terminologies for Least Common Multiple, you will hear Least Common Multiple (LCM) and Least Common Divisor (LCD) used together quite often. Just know they all mean the same thing – find the greatest positive integer that divides evenly into two or more numbers. So, if you ever hear or see one of these alternate phrases, don’t be alarmed. Now, I would like to point out that the phrase GCF has many synonyms. Using prime factorization and our trick for remembering what factors to choose is a snap! Closing Thoughts Working a few problems will help to make sense of how this works.įor our first question, let’s find the GCF and find the LCM of two numbers: 12 and 18įind GCF and LCM of Three Numbers - Example Remember, when using our prime factorization technique, we choose the fewest common factors for the GCF, and for the LCM, we choose the most of each factor as discussed at Minnesota State University. Here’s a trick: GC F = Fewer and LC M = More
How do you keep them straight and not mix them up?įirst, whenever you are asked to find both the greatest common factor and the least common multiple, always choose the prime factorization method, or the listing of prime factors, as it will save you time and is the only method that will work consistently.Īnd secondly, use the last letters of GCF and LCM to find what you need!
Math is power 4u how to#
Yes, whenever we perform operations with fractions!įor instance, we may need to use the LCM to help us add two fractions, and also the GCF to simplify our result.Ĭonsequently, you will need to know how to use both of these techniques at the same time. So will there ever be a time when we will need to use both the GCF, Greatest Common Factor and LCM, Least Common Multiple?
The Least Common Multiple (also known as LCM) is the smallest positive multiple that is common to two or more numbers. The Greatest Common Factor (also known as GCF) is the largest number that divides evenly into each number in a given set of numbers.
Well, today, we’re going to learn the one method that gets you the answers to both very easily.īut first let’s review the basic definitions of each. Jenn, Founder Calcworkshop ®, 15+ Years Experience (Licensed & Certified Teacher)
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