What is the Least Common Multiple of 256 and 261?

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 of 256 and 261 with GCF Formula

The formula of LCM is LCM(a,b) = ( a × b) / GCF(a,b).
We need to calculate greatest common factor 256 and 261, than apply into the LCM equation.

GCF(256,261) = 1
LCM(256,261) = ( 256 × 261) / 1
LCM(256,261) = 66816 / 1
LCM(256,261) = 66816

Least Common Multiple (LCM) of 256 and 261 with Primes

Least common multiple can be found by multiplying the highest exponent prime factors of 256 and 261. First we will calculate the prime factors of 256 and 261.

Prime Factorization of 256

Prime Factorization of 261

Now multiplying the highest exponent prime factors to calculate the LCM of 256 and 261.

LCM(256,261) = 2⁸ × 3² × 29¹
LCM(256,261) = 66816