least common multiple
mathematics
Also known as: LCM
Quick Summary
The least common multiple (LCM) is the smallest positive number that is a multiple of two or more numbers. For example, the LCM of 4 and 6 is 12. This is because the multiples of 4 are 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, and so on, while the multiples of 6 are 6, 12, 18, 24, and so on. The smallest number that appears in both lists is 12. The LCM is also used with polynomials, where it refers to the common multiple of the lowest degree.123
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