Finding the LCM of Fractions

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 117 views

Introduction

In mathematics, the least common multiple (LCM) is an essential concept that helps us find the smallest multiple that is common to two or more numbers. When dealing with fractions, finding the LCM is crucial to simplify or compare them. In this article, we will explore how to find the LCM of fractions and apply this concept to solve a problem.

What is the Least Common Multiple (LCM)?

The LCM of two or more numbers is the smallest number that is a multiple of each of the given numbers. For example, the LCM of 4 and 6 is 12, because 12 is the smallest number that can be divided by both 4 and 6 without leaving a remainder.

Finding the LCM of Fractions

To find the LCM of fractions, we need to first find the LCM of the denominators. The LCM of the denominators is the smallest number that is a multiple of both denominators. Once we have the LCM of the denominators, we can use it to find the LCM of the fractions.

Step 1: Find the LCM of the Denominators

To find the LCM of the denominators, we need to list the multiples of each denominator and find the smallest number that is common to both lists.

The multiples of 2 are: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, ...
The multiples of 7 are: 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, ...

The smallest number that is common to both lists is 14. Therefore, the LCM of the denominators is 14.

Step 2: Find the LCM of the Fractions

Now that we have the LCM of the denominators, we can use it to find the LCM of the fractions. To do this, we need to multiply the LCM of the denominators by the numerators of each fraction.

The LCM of the denominators is 14.
The numerator of the first fraction is 1.
The numerator of the second fraction is 1.

To find the LCM of the fractions, we multiply the LCM of the denominators by the numerators of each fraction:

The LCM of the first fraction is 1 × 14 = 14.
The LCM of the second fraction is 1 × 14 = 14.

Therefore, the LCM of the fractions is 14.

Conclusion

In this article, we learned how to find the LCM of fractions. We first found the LCM of the denominators, and then used it to find the LCM of the fractions. The LCM of the fractions is the smallest number that is a multiple of both fractions. We can use this concept to simplify or compare fractions.

Problem

Now that we have learned how to find the LCM of fractions, let's apply this concept to solve a problem.

Problem: Find the LCM of $$\frac{1}{2}$$ and $$\frac{1}{7}$$

To solve this problem, we need to follow the steps we learned earlier. First, we need to find the LCM of the denominators. The LCM of the denominators is the smallest number that is a multiple of both denominators.

The multiples of 2 are: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, ...
The multiples of 7 are: 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, ...

The smallest number that is common to both lists is 14. Therefore, the LCM of the denominators is 14.

Next, we need to find the LCM of the fractions. To do this, we need to multiply the LCM of the denominators by the numerators of each fraction.

The LCM of the denominators is 14.
The numerator of the first fraction is 1.
The numerator of the second fraction is 1.

To find the LCM of the fractions, we multiply the LCM of the denominators by the numerators of each fraction:

The LCM of the first fraction is 1 × 14 = 14.
The LCM of the second fraction is 1 × 14 = 14.

Therefore, the LCM of the fractions is 14.

Answer

The LCM of $$\frac{1}{2}$$ and $$\frac{1}{7}$$ is 14.

Discussion

The LCM of fractions is an essential concept in mathematics that helps us simplify or compare fractions. By finding the LCM of the denominators and then using it to find the LCM of the fractions, we can solve problems involving fractions.

Conclusion

Final Answer

Introduction

In our previous article, we learned how to find the least common multiple (LCM) of fractions. We discovered that the LCM of fractions is the smallest number that is a multiple of both fractions. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about the LCM of fractions.

Q: What is the LCM of fractions?

A: The LCM of fractions is the smallest number that is a multiple of both fractions. It is found by multiplying the LCM of the denominators by the numerators of each fraction.

Q: How do I find the LCM of fractions?

A: To find the LCM of fractions, you need to follow these steps:

Find the LCM of the denominators.
Multiply the LCM of the denominators by the numerators of each fraction.

Q: What is the LCM of $$\frac{1}{2}$$ and $$\frac{1}{7}$$?

A: The LCM of $$\frac{1}{2}$$ and $$\frac{1}{7}$$ is 14.

Q: How do I find the LCM of fractions with different denominators?

A: To find the LCM of fractions with different denominators, you need to follow these steps:

Find the LCM of the denominators.
Multiply the LCM of the denominators by the numerators of each fraction.

Q: What is the LCM of $$\frac{3}{4}$$ and $$\frac{5}{6}$$?

A: To find the LCM of $$\frac{3}{4}$$ and $$\frac{5}{6}$$, we need to find the LCM of the denominators first.

The multiples of 4 are: 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, ...
The multiples of 6 are: 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, ...

The smallest number that is common to both lists is 12. Therefore, the LCM of the denominators is 12.

Next, we need to multiply the LCM of the denominators by the numerators of each fraction.

The LCM of the denominators is 12.
The numerator of the first fraction is 3.
The numerator of the second fraction is 5.

To find the LCM of the fractions, we multiply the LCM of the denominators by the numerators of each fraction:

The LCM of the first fraction is 3 × 12 = 36.
The LCM of the second fraction is 5 × 12 = 60.

Therefore, the LCM of the fractions is 60.

Q: What is the LCM of $$\frac{2}{3}$$ and $$\frac{4}{9}$$?

A: To find the LCM of $$\frac{2}{3}$$ and $$\frac{4}{9}$$, we need to find the LCM of the denominators first.

The multiples of 3 are: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, ...
The multiples of 9 are: 9, 18, 27, 36, 45, ...

The smallest number that is common to both lists is 9. Therefore, the LCM of the denominators is 9.

Next, we need to multiply the LCM of the denominators by the numerators of each fraction.

The LCM of the denominators is 9.
The numerator of the first fraction is 2.
The numerator of the second fraction is 4.

To find the LCM of the fractions, we multiply the LCM of the denominators by the numerators of each fraction:

The LCM of the first fraction is 2 × 9 = 18.
The LCM of the second fraction is 4 × 9 = 36.

Therefore, the LCM of the fractions is 36.

Conclusion

In this article, we answered some frequently asked questions about the LCM of fractions. We learned how to find the LCM of fractions with different denominators and how to apply this concept to solve problems involving fractions.

Final Answer

The final answer is 36.