To find the least common multiple (LCM) of 4 and 6, you can follow these steps:
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List the multiples of each number:
- Multiples of 4: 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, ...
- Multiples of 6: 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, ...
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Identify the common multiples: The common multiples from the lists above are 12, 24, ...
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Select the smallest common multiple: The smallest common multiple is 12.
Alternatively, you can use the formula involving the greatest common divisor (GCD): \[ \text{LCM}(a, b) = \frac{|a \times b|}{\text{GCD}(a, b)} \]
For 4 and 6:
- The GCD of 4 and 6 is 2.
- Using the formula: \[ \text{LCM}(4, 6) = \frac{4 \times 6}{2} = \frac{24}{2} = 12 \]
Thus, the least common multiple of 4 and 6 is 12.
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