What is the LCM of 3, 6, and 2?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the least common multiple (LCM) of the numbers 3, 6, and 2. To find the LCM, we look for the smallest number that is a multiple of all three numbers.
Answer
$6$
Answer for screen readers
The least common multiple (LCM) of 3, 6, and 2 is $6$.
Steps to Solve
- List the multiples of each number
To find the least common multiple (LCM) of the numbers 3, 6, and 2, we start by listing some multiples of each number:
- Multiples of 3: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, ...
- Multiples of 6: 6, 12, 18, 24, ...
- Multiples of 2: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, ...
- Identify the common multiples
Next, we look for the multiples that are common among the lists we created:
- The common multiples from the lists are: 6, 12, ...
- Determine the least common multiple
Now we find the smallest number from the common multiples:
- The least common multiple of 3, 6, and 2 is 6.
The least common multiple (LCM) of 3, 6, and 2 is $6$.
More Information
The LCM is useful in various applications, such as finding common denominators in fractions and solving problems that involve synchronization of repeating events. The LCM is also the smallest multiple that all the numbers share.
Tips
- Ignoring smaller multiples: Sometimes, students might skip checking smaller multiples and miss the smallest LCM. Always start with the lowest multiples.
- Not listing enough multiples: If you do not list enough multiples, you might miss the LCM. It's important to include sufficient multiples from each number's list.
