To find the least common multiple (LCM) of 8 and 12, we can follow a few steps:
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Prime Factorization:
- The prime factorization of 8 is \(2^3\).
- The prime factorization of 12 is \(2^2 \times 3^1\).
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Identify the Highest Powers:
- For the prime number 2, the highest power in both factorizations is \(2^3\).
- For the prime number 3, the highest power is \(3^1\).
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Multiply the Highest Powers Together:
- LCM = \(2^3 \times 3^1 = 8 \times 3 = 24\).
Thus, the least common multiple of 8 and 12 is 24.