Explain how you would determine whether to use the least common multiple (LCM) or the greatest common factor (GCF). Please give examples.

-- A 'multiple' (lcm) is always at least as big as the biggest original number.
The lcm of 2, 8, 64, and 512 is 512 .
-- A 'factor' (gcf) is never bigger than the smallest original number.
The gcf of 2, 8, 64, and 512 is 2 .

Answered by AL2006 | 2024-06-10

To determine whether to use LCM or GCF, consider whether you need a common multiple or a common factor. Use LCM for adding fractions or finding common intervals, and use GCF for simplifying fractions or identifying shared factors. Understanding the definitions and examples will help clarify which is appropriate for your situation.
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Answered by AL2006 | 2024-12-26