The LCM (Least Common Multiple) of three numbers is the smallest number that is divisible by all three numbers. To find the LCM of three numbers, you can use the following steps:
Find the prime factorization of each number: Write each number as a product of prime numbers.
Identify the highest power of each prime factor: For each prime factor, take the highest power of that prime that appears in the factorization of any of the three numbers.
Multiply the prime factors: Multiply all of the prime factors together to find the LCM.
Here’s an example of finding the LCM of 3, 4, and 6:
Prime factorization:
3 = 3
4 = 2^2
6 = 2 * 3
Highest power of each prime factor:
2^2 (for 4)
3^1 (for 3 and 6)
Multiply the prime factors:
LCM = 2^2 * 3^1 = 4 * 3 = 12
So, the LCM of 3, 4, and 6 is 12.