Calculating LCM with Multiple Prime Factors

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the least common multiple (LCM) of three numbers represented by their prime factorizations. Participants explore the correct method for determining the LCM, including the use of prime factorization and the significance of selecting the highest powers of each prime factor.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes that the LCM of the set $\{A,B,C\}$ can be calculated by taking the lowest powers of common prime factors, suggesting LCM = (2)(3)(7^2)(17^9)(19)(23^8).
  • Another participant corrects this by stating that the LCM should be determined by taking the highest powers of each prime factor, leading to a different expression for the LCM.
  • Further contributions reiterate the need to use the highest powers of all prime factors, with one participant providing a detailed example of how to compute the LCM using prime factorization.
  • There is a discussion about notation for exponents, with suggestions for clearer communication in mathematical expressions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants disagree on the method for calculating the LCM, with some advocating for the use of the lowest powers of common factors and others insisting on the highest powers of all prime factors. The discussion remains unresolved as multiple competing views are presented.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express confusion over the correct application of the LCM concept, indicating a potential misunderstanding of the definitions involved. There are also unresolved issues regarding notation and clarity in mathematical expressions.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students learning about least common multiples, educators seeking examples of common misconceptions, and anyone interested in mathematical reasoning involving prime factorization.

karush
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$\tiny{c4.LCM of \{A,B,C\}}$

diagrams_20211210132541~2.png
added image to avoid typo

Build the LCM of $\{A,B,C\}$
Then write the prime factorization of the LCM of $\{A,B,C\}$.
$A = 2 \cdot 3 \cdot 7^2 \cdot 19$
$B = 2^2 \cdot 17^9 \cdot 19^8 \cdot 23^8$
$C = 2^6 \cdot 3 \cdot 11^9 \cdot 19$
$LCM of \{A,B,C\}=\boxed{?}$

ok well to start with $\{A,B,C\}$. all have a common factor of 2 and 19
the lowest of 2 is 2 and the lowest of 19 is 19

so LCM $\{A,B,C\}$.=(2)(3)(7^2)(17^9)(19)(23^8)
 
Last edited:
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NO! For "least common multiple" you take the HIGHEST power of each prime, not the lowest.
 
write the prime factorization of the LCM of $\{A,B,C\}$.
$A = 2 \cdot 3 \cdot 7^2 \cdot 19$
$B = 2^2 \cdot 17^9 \cdot 19^8 \cdot 23^8$
$C = 2^6 \cdot 3 \cdot 11^9 \cdot 19$

so LCM $\{A,B,C\}$ = (2^6)(3)(7^2)(17^9)(19^8)(23^8)

hopefully

however only 2 and 19 are only in all 3 sets?
 
Yes, so what is your question?

If you were asked to find the least common multiple of 2, 3, and 5, you should respond with 2(3)(5)= 30, even though NONE of those factors are in all 3 numbers.
 
ok I don't see 5 in there
Country Boy said:
NO! For "least common multiple" you take the HIGHEST power of each prime, not the lowest.
write the prime factorization of the LCM of $\{A,B,C\}$.
$A = 2 \cdot 3 \cdot 7^2 \cdot 19$
$B = 2^2 \cdot 17^9 \cdot 19^8 \cdot 23^8$
$C = 2^6 \cdot 3 \cdot 11^9 \cdot 19$

so then LCM $\{A,B,C\} = (2^6)(3)(7^2)(11^9)(17^9)(19^8)(23^8)$
)
 
Lcm is the least common factor the number which is multiples of all numbers for example Lcm of 3 and 4 is 12
the other method is prime factorization.

Step 1: Express each number as a product of prime factors.

Step 2: LCM = The product of the highest powers of all prime factors.Step 1 : Express each number as a product of prime factors.

18 = 2 × 32

24 = 23 × 3

9 = 32

36 = 23 × 32

90 = 2 × 5 × 32

Step 2: LCM = The product of the highest powers of all prime factors.

Here the prime factors are 2, 3 and 5

The highest power of 2 here = 23

The highest power of 3 here = 32

The highest power of 5 here = 5

Hence LCM = 23 × 32 × 5 = 360
 
sumaira, good post but it would be easier to read if you were to use "^" to indicate exponents.
sumaira said:
Lcm is the least common factor the number which is multiples of all numbers for example Lcm of 3 and 4 is 12
the other method is prime factorization.

Step 1: Express each number as a product of prime factors.

Step 2: LCM = The product of the highest powers of all prime factors.Step 1 : Express each number as a product of prime factors.

18 = 2 × 32
18= 2 x 3^2 so I won't think that is "thirty two"!

24 = 23 × 3
24= 2^3 x 3

9 = 32
9= 3^2

36 = 23 × 32
36= 2^3 x 3^2

90 = 2 × 5 × 32
90= 2 x 5 x 3^2

Step 2: LCM = The product of the highest powers of all prime factors.

Here the prime factors are 2, 3 and 5

The highest power of 2 here = 23
2^3

The highest power of 3 here = 32
3^2

The highest power of 5 here = 5

Hence LCM = 23 × 32 × 5 = 360
2^2 x 3^2 x 5= 360
(23 x 32 x 5= 3680!)
 
yeah i understand next time I will use this notation for power
 

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