To find the least common multiple (LCM) of 4 and 3, we can list the multiples of each number:
Multiples of 4:
- 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24...
Multiples of 3:
- 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18...
Now, we identify the smallest multiple that appears in both lists. The least common multiple of 4 and 3 is 12.
Alternatively, we can calculate the LCM using the formula:
\[ \text{LCM}(a, b) = \frac{|a \times b|}{\text{GCD}(a, b)} \]
Where GCD is the greatest common divisor.
For 4 and 3:
- The GCD of 4 and 3 is 1 (since they have no common factors).
- Thus,
\[ \text{LCM}(4, 3) = \frac{|4 \times 3|}{1} = \frac{12}{1} = 12 \]
Therefore, the least common multiple of 4 and 3 is \( \boxed{12} \).
2 answers