LCM( 12, 15, 18 ) = 180
Step 1 : Place the numbers inside division bar:
| 12 | 15 | 18 |
Step 2 : Find a prime number which can divide at least two of your numbers.
In this example we can divide by 2. If any number is not divisible by 2 write it down unchanged.
| 2 | 12 | 15 | 18 |
| 6 | 15 | 9 |
Step 3 : Repeat Step 2 until you can no longer divide.
| 2 | 12 | 15 | 18 |
| 3 | 6 | 15 | 9 |
| 2 | 5 | 3 |
Since there are no primes that divides at least two of given numbers, we conclude that the LCM is a product of starting numbers.
LCM = 12 · 15 · 18 = 180
This solution can be visualized using a Venn diagram.
The LCM is equal to the product of all the numbers on the diagram.