Question #09d7f

1 Answer
Sep 19, 2017

#240#

Explanation:

Here we go..

For Lowest Common Multiple

First you need to find each multiple..

The common multiple should be represented singly..

For example

We have; #2 and 8#

Factors of #2 = 2#

Factors of #8 = 2 xx 4#

Since #2# is a common multiple for both, we represent it as a single #2#

Hence we have the Least Common Multiple of #2 and 8# as #2 xx 4 = 8#

Now regarding the question..

We have #5, 8 and 12#

Finding the multiples...

Factors of #5 = color(red)5#

Factors of #8 = color(blue)2 xx color(red)4#

Factors of #12 = color(blue)2 xx color(red)2 xx color(red)3#

Since we have #2# common in both multiple, we represent it as a single #2#

Hence we have #rArr color(blue)2 xx color(red)2 xx color(red)3 xx color(red)4 xx color(red)5 = 240#

For Lowest Common Multiple

#1# is the Least Common Factor, for every number based on what is asked..

Which ever way, you choose either it is the Lowest Common Multiple (LCM) or the Lowest Common Factor which is above..

You can choose from anyone..

Why #2# is not the lowest common factor because it #5# cannot be divided by #2#..