What is the Least Common Multiple of 12 and 26?
Least common multiple or lowest common denominator (lcd) can be calculated in two way; with the LCM formula calculation of greatest common factor (GCF), or multiplying the prime factors with the highest exponent factor.
Least common multiple (LCM) of 12 and 26 is 156.
LCM(12,26) = 156
Least Common Multiple of 12 and 26 with GCF Formula
The formula of LCM is LCM(a,b) = ( a × b) / GCF(a,b).
We need to calculate greatest common factor 12 and 26, than apply into the LCM equation.
GCF(12,26) = 2
LCM(12,26) = ( 12 × 26) / 2
LCM(12,26) = 312 / 2
LCM(12,26) = 156
Least Common Multiple (LCM) of 12 and 26 with Primes
Least common multiple can be found by multiplying the highest exponent prime factors of 12 and 26. First we will calculate the prime factors of 12 and 26.
Prime Factorization of 12
Prime factors of 12 are 2, 3. Prime factorization of 12 in exponential form is:
12 = 22 × 31
Prime Factorization of 26
Prime factors of 26 are 2, 13. Prime factorization of 26 in exponential form is:
26 = 21 × 131
Now multiplying the highest exponent prime factors to calculate the LCM of 12 and 26.
LCM(12,26) = 22 × 31 × 131
LCM(12,26) = 156