Using LCM

Worksheet Description

The worksheet is designed to teach students how to find the Least Common Multiple (LCM) of two numbers using prime factorization. It features eight pairs of numbers, with each pair having a corresponding factor tree diagram that students are to fill in with the prime factors of the given numbers. The first example is completed as a demonstration, showing the prime factors of 21 and 28 and the subsequent calculation of the LCM as 84. The students are expected to use the same process to find and write the LCM for each of the remaining number pairs.

This worksheet is intended to teach students the method of using prime factorization to determine the LCM of a set of numbers, an important concept in mathematics, especially when dealing with fractions and ratios. The LCM is the smallest number that is a multiple of both numbers in the pair, and understanding how to calculate it is crucial for solving problems that require a common denominator or synchronization of cycles. By breaking down numbers into their prime factors, students reinforce their understanding of prime numbers and how these building blocks of natural numbers can be used to solve more complex mathematical problems. Additionally, this skill fosters logical thinking and problem-solving abilities as students analyze and multiply the necessary factors to obtain the LCM.