Decision of nodes and knocks in a column. LCM

Let's solve the problem. We have two types of cookies. Some are chocolate and some are plain. There are 48 chocolate pieces, and simple 36. It is necessary to make the maximum possible number of gifts from these cookies, and all of them must be used.

First, let's write down all the divisors of each of these two numbers, since both of these numbers must be divisible by the number of gifts.

We get

  • 48: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 24, 48.
  • 36: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 12, 18, 36.

Let's find among the divisors the common ones that both the first and the second number have.

Common divisors will be: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12.

The greatest common divisor of all is 12. This number is called the greatest common divisor of 36 and 48.

Based on the result, we can conclude that 12 gifts can be made from all cookies. One such gift will contain 4 chocolate cookies and 3 regular cookies.

Finding the Greatest Common Divisor

  • The largest natural number by which two numbers a and b are divisible without a remainder is called the greatest common divisor of these numbers.

Sometimes the abbreviation GCD is used to abbreviate the entry.

Some pairs of numbers have one as their greatest common divisor. Such numbers are called coprime numbers. For example, numbers 24 and 35. Have GCD =1.

How to find the greatest common divisor

In order to find the greatest common divisor, it is not necessary to write out all the divisors of these numbers.

You can do otherwise. First, factor both numbers into prime factors.

  • 48 = 2*2*2*2*3,
  • 36 = 2*2*3*3.

Now, from the factors that are included in the expansion of the first number, we delete all those that are not included in the expansion of the second number. In our case, these are two deuces.

  • 48 = 2*2*2*2*3 ,
  • 36 = 2*2*3 *3.

The factors 2, 2 and 3 remain. Their product is 12. This number will be the greatest common divisor of the numbers 48 and 36.

This rule can be extended to the case of three, four, and so on. numbers.

General scheme for finding the greatest common divisor

  • 1. Decompose numbers into prime factors.
  • 2. From the factors included in the expansion of one of these numbers, cross out those that are not included in the expansion of other numbers.
  • 3. Calculate the product of the remaining factors.

Finding the greatest common divisor of three or more numbers can be reduced to successively finding the gcd of two numbers. We mentioned this when studying the properties of GCD. There we formulated and proved the theorem: the greatest common divisor of several numbers a 1 , a 2 , …, a k is equal to the number d k, which is found in the sequential calculation GCD(a 1 , a 2)=d 2, GCD(d 2 , a 3)=d 3, GCD(d 3 , a 4)=d 4, …,GCD(d k-1 , a k)=d k.

Let's see how the process of finding the GCD of several numbers looks like by considering the solution of the example.

Example.

Find the greatest common divisor of four numbers 78 , 294 , 570 and 36 .

Decision.

In this example a 1 =78, a2=294, a 3 \u003d 570, a4=36.

First, using the Euclid algorithm, we determine the greatest common divisor d2 first two numbers 78 and 294 . When dividing, we get the equalities 294=78 3+60; 78=60 1+18;60=18 3+6 and 18=6 3. Thus, d 2 \u003d GCD (78, 294) \u003d 6.

Now let's calculate d 3 \u003d GCD (d 2, a 3) \u003d GCD (6, 570). Let's use Euclid's algorithm again: 570=6 95, hence, d 3 \u003d GCD (6, 570) \u003d 6.

It remains to calculate d 4 \u003d GCD (d 3, a 4) \u003d GCD (6, 36). As 36 divided by 6 , then d 4 \u003d GCD (6, 36) \u003d 6.

So the greatest common divisor of the four given numbers is d4=6, i.e, gcd(78, 294, 570, 36)=6.

Answer:

gcd(78, 294, 570, 36)=6.

Decomposing numbers into prime factors also allows you to calculate the GCD of three or more numbers. In this case, the greatest common divisor is found as the product of all common prime factors of the given numbers.

Example.

Calculate the GCD of the numbers from the previous example using their prime factorizations.

Decision.

Let's decompose the numbers 78 , 294 , 570 and 36 into prime factors, we get 78=2 3 13,294=2 3 7 7, 570=2 3 5 19, 36=2 2 3 3. The common prime factors of all given four numbers are the numbers 2 and 3 . Hence, GCD(78, 294, 570, 36)=2 3=6.

Answer:

gcd(78, 294, 570, 36)=6.

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Finding the gcd of negative numbers

If one, several or all of the numbers whose greatest divisor is to be found are negative numbers, then their gcd is equal to the greatest common divisor of the modules of these numbers. This is because opposite numbers a and -a have the same divisors, which we discussed when studying the properties of divisibility.

Example.

Find the gcd of negative integers −231 and −140 .

Decision.

The absolute value of a number −231 equals 231 , and the modulus of the number −140 equals 140 , and gcd(−231, −140)=gcd(231, 140). Euclid's algorithm gives us the following equalities: 231=140 1+91; 140=91 1+49; 91=49 1+42; 49=42 1+7 and 42=7 6. Hence, gcd(231, 140)=7. Then the desired greatest common divisor of negative numbers −231 and −140 equals 7 .


Answer:

GCD(−231,−140)=7.

Example.

Determine the gcd of three numbers −585 , 81 and −189 .

Decision.

When finding the greatest common divisor, negative numbers can be replaced by their absolute values, that is, gcd(−585, 81, −189)=gcd(585, 81, 189). Number expansions 585 , 81 and 189 into prime factors are, respectively, of the form 585=3 3 5 13, 81=3 3 3 3 and 189=3 3 3 7. The common prime factors of these three numbers are 3 and 3 . Then GCD(585, 81, 189)=3 3=9, hence, gcd(−585, 81, −189)=9.

Answer:

gcd(−585, 81, −189)=9.

35. Roots of a polynomial. Bezout's theorem. (33 and up)

36. Multiple roots, criterion of multiplicity of the root.

Let's continue the discussion about the least common multiple that we started in the LCM - Least Common Multiple, Definition, Examples section. In this topic, we will look at ways to find the LCM for three numbers or more, we will analyze the question of how to find the LCM of a negative number.

Calculation of the least common multiple (LCM) through gcd

We have already established the relationship between the least common multiple and the greatest common divisor. Now let's learn how to define the LCM through the GCD. First, let's figure out how to do this for positive numbers.

Definition 1

You can find the least common multiple through the greatest common divisor using the formula LCM (a, b) \u003d a b: GCD (a, b) .

Example 1

It is necessary to find the LCM of the numbers 126 and 70.

Decision

Let's take a = 126 , b = 70 . Substitute the values ​​in the formula for calculating the least common multiple through the greatest common divisor LCM (a, b) = a · b: GCD (a, b) .

Finds the GCD of the numbers 70 and 126. For this we need the Euclid algorithm: 126 = 70 1 + 56 , 70 = 56 1 + 14 , 56 = 14 4 , hence gcd (126 , 70) = 14 .

Let's calculate the LCM: LCM (126, 70) = 126 70: GCD (126, 70) = 126 70: 14 = 630.

Answer: LCM (126, 70) = 630.

Example 2

Find the nok of the numbers 68 and 34.

Decision

GCD in this case is easy to find, since 68 is divisible by 34. Calculate the least common multiple using the formula: LCM (68, 34) = 68 34: GCD (68, 34) = 68 34: 34 = 68.

Answer: LCM(68, 34) = 68.

In this example, we used the rule for finding the least common multiple of positive integers a and b: if the first number is divisible by the second, then the LCM of these numbers will be equal to the first number.

Finding the LCM by Factoring Numbers into Prime Factors

Now let's look at a way to find the LCM, which is based on the decomposition of numbers into prime factors.

Definition 2

To find the least common multiple, we need to perform a number of simple steps:

  • we make up the product of all prime factors of numbers for which we need to find the LCM;
  • we exclude all prime factors from their obtained products;
  • the product obtained after eliminating the common prime factors will be equal to the LCM of the given numbers.

This way of finding the least common multiple is based on the equality LCM (a , b) = a b: GCD (a , b) . If you look at the formula, it will become clear: the product of the numbers a and b is equal to the product of all factors that are involved in the expansion of these two numbers. In this case, the GCD of two numbers is equal to the product of all prime factors that are simultaneously present in the factorizations of these two numbers.

Example 3

We have two numbers 75 and 210 . We can factor them out like this: 75 = 3 5 5 and 210 = 2 3 5 7. If you make the product of all the factors of the two original numbers, you get: 2 3 3 5 5 5 7.

If we exclude the factors common to both numbers 3 and 5, we get a product of the following form: 2 3 5 5 7 = 1050. This product will be our LCM for the numbers 75 and 210.

Example 4

Find the LCM of numbers 441 and 700 , decomposing both numbers into prime factors.

Decision

Let's find all the prime factors of the numbers given in the condition:

441 147 49 7 1 3 3 7 7

700 350 175 35 7 1 2 2 5 5 7

We get two chains of numbers: 441 = 3 3 7 7 and 700 = 2 2 5 5 7 .

The product of all the factors that participated in the expansion of these numbers will look like: 2 2 3 3 5 5 7 7 7. Let's find the common factors. This number is 7 . We exclude it from the general product: 2 2 3 3 5 5 7 7. It turns out that NOC (441 , 700) = 2 2 3 3 5 5 7 7 = 44 100.

Answer: LCM (441 , 700) = 44 100 .

Let us give one more formulation of the method for finding the LCM by decomposing numbers into prime factors.

Definition 3

Previously, we excluded from the total number of factors common to both numbers. Now we will do it differently:

  • Let's decompose both numbers into prime factors:
  • add to the product of the prime factors of the first number the missing factors of the second number;
  • we get the product, which will be the desired LCM of two numbers.

Example 5

Let's go back to the numbers 75 and 210 , for which we already looked for the LCM in one of the previous examples. Let's break them down into simple factors: 75 = 3 5 5 and 210 = 2 3 5 7. To the product of factors 3 , 5 and 5 number 75 add the missing factors 2 and 7 numbers 210 . We get: 2 3 5 5 7 . This is the LCM of the numbers 75 and 210.

Example 6

It is necessary to calculate the LCM of the numbers 84 and 648.

Decision

Let's decompose the numbers from the condition into prime factors: 84 = 2 2 3 7 and 648 = 2 2 2 3 3 3 3. Add to the product of the factors 2 , 2 , 3 and 7 numbers 84 missing factors 2 , 3 , 3 and
3 numbers 648 . We get the product 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 7 = 4536 . This is the least common multiple of 84 and 648.

Answer: LCM (84, 648) = 4536.

Finding the LCM of three or more numbers

Regardless of how many numbers we are dealing with, the algorithm of our actions will always be the same: we will sequentially find the LCM of two numbers. There is a theorem for this case.

Theorem 1

Suppose we have integers a 1 , a 2 , … , a k. NOC m k of these numbers is found in sequential calculation m 2 = LCM (a 1 , a 2) , m 3 = LCM (m 2 , a 3) , … , m k = LCM (m k − 1 , a k) .

Now let's look at how the theorem can be applied to specific problems.

Example 7

You need to calculate the least common multiple of the four numbers 140 , 9 , 54 and 250 .

Decision

Let's introduce the notation: a 1 \u003d 140, a 2 \u003d 9, a 3 \u003d 54, a 4 \u003d 250.

Let's start by calculating m 2 = LCM (a 1 , a 2) = LCM (140 , 9) . Let's use the Euclidean algorithm to calculate the GCD of the numbers 140 and 9: 140 = 9 15 + 5 , 9 = 5 1 + 4 , 5 = 4 1 + 1 , 4 = 1 4 . We get: GCD(140, 9) = 1, LCM(140, 9) = 140 9: GCD(140, 9) = 140 9: 1 = 1260. Therefore, m 2 = 1 260 .

Now let's calculate according to the same algorithm m 3 = LCM (m 2 , a 3) = LCM (1 260 , 54) . In the course of calculations, we get m 3 = 3 780.

It remains for us to calculate m 4 \u003d LCM (m 3, a 4) \u003d LCM (3 780, 250) . We act according to the same algorithm. We get m 4 \u003d 94 500.

The LCM of the four numbers from the example condition is 94500 .

Answer: LCM (140, 9, 54, 250) = 94,500.

As you can see, the calculations are simple, but quite laborious. To save time, you can go the other way.

Definition 4

We offer you the following algorithm of actions:

  • decompose all numbers into prime factors;
  • to the product of the factors of the first number, add the missing factors from the product of the second number;
  • add the missing factors of the third number to the product obtained at the previous stage, etc.;
  • the resulting product will be the least common multiple of all numbers from the condition.

Example 8

It is necessary to find the LCM of five numbers 84 , 6 , 48 , 7 , 143 .

Decision

Let's decompose all five numbers into prime factors: 84 = 2 2 3 7 , 6 = 2 3 , 48 = 2 2 2 2 3 , 7 , 143 = 11 13 . Prime numbers, which is the number 7, cannot be factored into prime factors. Such numbers coincide with their decomposition into prime factors.

Now let's take the product of the prime factors 2, 2, 3 and 7 of the number 84 and add to them the missing factors of the second number. We have decomposed the number 6 into 2 and 3. These factors are already in the product of the first number. Therefore, we omit them.

We continue to add the missing multipliers. We turn to the number 48, from the product of prime factors of which we take 2 and 2. Then we add a simple factor of 7 from the fourth number and factors of 11 and 13 of the fifth. We get: 2 2 2 2 3 7 11 13 = 48,048. This is the least common multiple of the five original numbers.

Answer: LCM (84, 6, 48, 7, 143) = 48,048.

Finding the Least Common Multiple of Negative Numbers

In order to find the least common multiple of negative numbers, these numbers must first be replaced by numbers with the opposite sign, and then the calculations should be carried out according to the above algorithms.

Example 9

LCM(54, −34) = LCM(54, 34) and LCM(−622,−46, −54,−888) = LCM(622, 46, 54, 888) .

Such actions are permissible due to the fact that if it is accepted that a and − a- opposite numbers
then the set of multiples a coincides with the set of multiples of a number − a.

Example 10

It is necessary to calculate the LCM of negative numbers − 145 and − 45 .

Decision

Let's change the numbers − 145 and − 45 to their opposite numbers 145 and 45 . Now, using the algorithm, we calculate the LCM (145 , 45) = 145 45: GCD (145 , 45) = 145 45: 5 = 1 305 , having previously determined the GCD using the Euclid algorithm.

We get that the LCM of numbers − 145 and − 45 equals 1 305 .

Answer: LCM (− 145 , − 45) = 1 305 .

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To find least common multiple(NOC) and greatest common divisor(gcd) of two numbers use our online calculator ohm:

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How to find the LCM of two numbers

Least common multiple (LCM) of two or more numbers is the smallest number that can be divided by each of these numbers without a remainder.

In order to find the least common multiple (LCM) of two numbers, you can use the following algorithm (grade 5):

  1. Both numbers (largest number first).
  2. Compare the factors of the larger number with the factors of the smaller number. Select all the factors of the smaller number that the larger one does not have.
  3. Let's add the selected factors of the smaller number to the factors of the larger one.
  4. We find the LCM by multiplying the series of factors obtained in paragraph 3.

Example

For example, we define the LCM of numbers 8 and 22 .

1) Let's break it down into prime factors:

2) Let's select all factors of 8, which are not in 22:

8 = 2⋅2 2

3) Let's add the selected multipliers of 8 to the multipliers of 22:

LCM (8; 22) = 2 11 2 · 2

4) We calculate the LCM:

NOC (8; 22)= 2 11 2 2 = 88

How to find the GCD of two numbers

Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) of two or more numbers is the largest natural integer by which these numbers can be divided without a remainder.

To find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of two numbers, you first need to factor them into prime factors. Then you need to highlight the common factors that both the first number and the second have. We multiply them - this will be the GCD. To better understand the algorithm, consider an example:

Example

For example, let's define the GCD of numbers 20 and 30 .

20 = 2 ⋅2⋅5

30 = 2 ⋅3⋅5

GCD(20,30) = 2⋅5 = 10

The largest natural number by which the numbers a and b are divisible without remainder is called greatest common divisor these numbers. Denote GCD(a, b).

Let's consider finding GCD on the example of two natural numbers 18 and 60:

  • 1 Let's decompose the numbers into prime factors:
    18 = 2×3×3
    60 = 2×2×3×5
  • 2 Delete from the expansion of the first number all factors that are not included in the expansion of the second number, we get 2×3×3 .
  • 3 We multiply the remaining prime factors after crossing out and get the greatest common divisor of numbers: gcd ( 18 , 60 )=2×3= 6 .
  • 4 Note that it doesn’t matter from the first or second number we cross out the factors, the result will be the same:
    18 = 2×3×3
    60 = 2×2×3×5
  • 324 , 111 and 432

    Let's decompose the numbers into prime factors:

    324 = 2×2×3×3×3×3

    111 = 3×37

    432 = 2×2×2×2×3×3×3

    Delete from the first number, the factors of which are not in the second and third numbers, we get:

    2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 3 x 3 x 3 = 3

    As a result of GCD( 324 , 111 , 432 )=3

    Finding GCD with Euclid's Algorithm

    The second way to find the greatest common divisor using Euclid's algorithm. Euclid's algorithm is the most effective way finding GCD, using it you need to constantly find the remainder of the division of numbers and apply recurrent formula.

    Recurrent formula for GCD, gcd(a, b)=gcd(b, a mod b), where a mod b is the remainder of dividing a by b.

    Euclid's algorithm
    Example Find the Greatest Common Divisor of Numbers 7920 and 594

    Let's find GCD( 7920 , 594 ) using the Euclid algorithm, we will calculate the remainder of the division using a calculator.

  • GCD( 7920 , 594 )
  • GCD( 594 , 7920 mod 594 ) = gcd( 594 , 198 )
  • GCD( 198 , 594 mod 198 ) = gcd( 198 , 0 )
  • GCD( 198 , 0 ) = 198
    • 7920 mod 594 = 7920 - 13 × 594 = 198
    • 594 mod 198 = 594 - 3 × 198 = 0
    • As a result, we get GCD( 7920 , 594 ) = 198

      Least common multiple

      In order to find a common denominator when adding and subtracting fractions with different denominators, you need to know and be able to calculate least common multiple(NOC).

      A multiple of the number "a" is a number that is itself divisible by the number "a" without a remainder.

      Numbers that are multiples of 8 (that is, these numbers will be divided by 8 without a remainder): these are the numbers 16, 24, 32 ...

      Multiples of 9: 18, 27, 36, 45…

      There are infinitely many multiples of a given number a, in contrast to the divisors of the same number. Divisors - a finite number.

      A common multiple of two natural numbers is a number that is evenly divisible by both of these numbers..

      Least common multiple(LCM) of two or more natural numbers is the smallest natural number that is itself divisible by each of these numbers.

      How to find the NOC

      LCM can be found and written in two ways.

      The first way to find the LCM

      This method is usually used for small numbers.

    1. We write the multiples for each of the numbers in a line until there is a multiple that is the same for both numbers.
    2. A multiple of "a" is denoted capital letter"TO".

    Example. Find LCM 6 and 8.

    The second way to find the LCM

    This method is convenient to use to find the LCM for three or more numbers.

    The number of identical factors in the expansions of numbers can be different.

  • In the expansion of the smaller number (smaller numbers), underline the factors that were not included in the expansion of the larger number (in our example, it is 2) and add these factors to the expansion of the larger number.
    LCM (24, 60) = 2 2 3 5 2
  • Record the resulting work in response.
    Answer: LCM (24, 60) = 120
  • You can also formalize finding the least common multiple (LCM) as follows. Let's find the LCM (12, 16, 24) .

    24 = 2 2 2 3

    As we can see from the expansion of numbers, all factors of 12 are included in the expansion of 24 (the largest of the numbers), so we add only one 2 from the expansion of the number 16 to the LCM.

    LCM (12, 16, 24) = 2 2 2 3 2 = 48

    Answer: LCM (12, 16, 24) = 48

    Special cases of finding NOCs

  • If one of the numbers is evenly divisible by the others, then the least common multiple of these numbers is equal to this number.
  • For example, LCM(60, 15) = 60
    Since coprime numbers have no common prime divisors, their least common multiple is equal to the product of these numbers.

    On our site, you can also use a special calculator to find the least common multiple online to check your calculations.

    If a natural number is only divisible by 1 and itself, then it is called prime.

    Any natural number is always divisible by 1 and itself.

    The number 2 is the smallest prime number. This is the only even prime number, the rest of the prime numbers are odd.

    There are many prime numbers, and the first among them is the number 2. However, there is no last prime number. In the "For Study" section, you can download a table of prime numbers up to 997.

    But many natural numbers are evenly divisible by other natural numbers.

    • the number 12 is divisible by 1, by 2, by 3, by 4, by 6, by 12;
    • 36 is divisible by 1, by 2, by 3, by 4, by 6, by 12, by 18, by 36.
    • The numbers by which the number is evenly divisible (for 12 these are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 12) are called the divisors of the number.

      The divisor of a natural number a is such a natural number that divides the given number "a" without a remainder.

      A natural number that has more than two factors is called a composite number.

      Note that the numbers 12 and 36 have common divisors. These are numbers: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12. The largest divisor of these numbers is 12.

      The common divisor of two given numbers "a" and "b" is the number by which both given numbers "a" and "b" are divided without remainder.

      Greatest Common Divisor(GCD) of two given numbers "a" and "b" is the largest number by which both numbers "a" and "b" are divisible without a remainder.

      Briefly, the greatest common divisor of numbers "a" and "b" is written as follows:

      Example: gcd (12; 36) = 12 .

      The divisors of numbers in the solution record are denoted by a capital letter "D".

      The numbers 7 and 9 have only one common divisor - the number 1. Such numbers are called coprime numbers.

      Coprime numbers are natural numbers that have only one common divisor - the number 1. Their GCD is 1.

      How to find the greatest common divisor

      To find the gcd of two or more natural numbers you need:

    • decompose the divisors of numbers into prime factors;
    • Calculations are conveniently written using a vertical bar. To the left of the line, first write down the dividend, to the right - the divisor. Further in the left column we write down the values ​​of private.

      Let's explain right away with an example. Let's factorize the numbers 28 and 64 into prime factors.

      Underline the same prime factors in both numbers.
      28 = 2 2 7

    64 = 2 2 2 2 2 2
    We find the product of identical prime factors and write down the answer;
    GCD (28; 64) = 2 2 = 4

    Answer: GCD (28; 64) = 4

    You can arrange the location of the GCD in two ways: in a column (as was done above) or “in a line”.

    The first way to write GCD

    Find GCD 48 and 36.

    GCD (48; 36) = 2 2 3 = 12

    The second way to write GCD

    Now let's write the GCD search solution in a line. Find GCD 10 and 15.

    On our information site, you can also find the greatest common divisor online using the helper program to check your calculations.

    Finding the least common multiple, methods, examples of finding the LCM.

    The material presented below is a logical continuation of the theory from the article under the heading LCM - Least Common Multiple, definition, examples, relationship between LCM and GCD. Here we will talk about finding the least common multiple (LCM), and Special attention Let's take a look at the examples. Let us first show how the LCM of two numbers is calculated in terms of the GCD of these numbers. Next, consider finding the least common multiple by factoring numbers into prime factors. After that, we will focus on finding the LCM of three or more numbers, and also pay attention to the calculation of the LCM of negative numbers.

    Page navigation.

    Calculation of the least common multiple (LCM) through gcd

    One way to find the least common multiple is based on the relationship between LCM and GCD. The existing relationship between LCM and GCD allows you to calculate the least common multiple of two positive integers through the known greatest common divisor. The corresponding formula has the form LCM(a, b)=a b: GCM(a, b). Consider examples of finding the LCM according to the above formula.

    Find the least common multiple of the two numbers 126 and 70 .

    In this example a=126 , b=70 . Let's use the link of LCM with GCD, which is expressed by the formula LCM(a, b)=a b: GCM(a, b) . That is, first we have to find the greatest common divisor of the numbers 70 and 126, after which we can calculate the LCM of these numbers according to the written formula.

    Find gcd(126, 70) using Euclid's algorithm: 126=70 1+56 , 70=56 1+14 , 56=14 4 , hence gcd(126, 70)=14 .

    Now we find the required least common multiple: LCM(126, 70)=126 70:GCD(126, 70)= 126 70:14=630 .

    What is LCM(68, 34) ?

    Since 68 is evenly divisible by 34 , then gcd(68, 34)=34 . Now we calculate the least common multiple: LCM(68, 34)=68 34:GCD(68, 34)= 68 34:34=68 .

    Note that the previous example fits the following rule for finding the LCM for positive integers a and b: if the number a is divisible by b , then the least common multiple of these numbers is a .

    Finding the LCM by Factoring Numbers into Prime Factors

    Another way to find the least common multiple is based on factoring numbers into prime factors. If we make a product of all prime factors of these numbers, after which we exclude from this product all common prime factors that are present in the expansions of these numbers, then the resulting product will be equal to the least common multiple of these numbers.

    The announced rule for finding the LCM follows from the equality LCM(a, b)=a b: GCD(a, b) . Indeed, the product of the numbers a and b is equal to the product of all the factors involved in the expansions of the numbers a and b. In turn, gcd(a, b) is equal to the product of all prime factors that are simultaneously present in the expansions of the numbers a and b (which is described in the section on finding the gcd using the decomposition of numbers into prime factors).

    Let's take an example. Let we know that 75=3 5 5 and 210=2 3 5 7 . Compose the product of all factors of these expansions: 2 3 3 5 5 5 7 . Now we exclude from this product all the factors that are present both in the expansion of the number 75 and in the expansion of the number 210 (such factors are 3 and 5), then the product will take the form 2 3 5 5 7 . The value of this product is equal to the least common multiple of 75 and 210 , that is, LCM(75, 210)= 2 3 5 5 7=1 050 .

    After factoring the numbers 441 and 700 into prime factors, find the least common multiple of these numbers.

    Let's decompose the numbers 441 and 700 into prime factors:

    We get 441=3 3 7 7 and 700=2 2 5 5 7 .

    Now let's make a product of all the factors involved in the expansions of these numbers: 2 2 3 3 5 5 7 7 7 . Let us exclude from this product all the factors that are simultaneously present in both expansions (there is only one such factor - this is the number 7): 2 2 3 3 5 5 7 7 . So LCM(441, 700)=2 2 3 3 5 5 7 7=44 100 .

    LCM(441, 700)= 44 100 .

    The rule for finding the LCM using the decomposition of numbers into prime factors can be formulated a little differently. If we add the missing factors from the expansion of the number b to the factors from the expansion of the number a, then the value of the resulting product will be equal to the least common multiple of the numbers a and b.

    For example, let's take all the same numbers 75 and 210, their expansions into prime factors are as follows: 75=3 5 5 and 210=2 3 5 7 . To the factors 3, 5 and 5 from the decomposition of the number 75, we add the missing factors 2 and 7 from the decomposition of the number 210, we get the product 2 3 5 5 7 , the value of which is LCM(75, 210) .

    Find the least common multiple of 84 and 648.

    We first obtain the decomposition of the numbers 84 and 648 into prime factors. They look like 84=2 2 3 7 and 648=2 2 2 3 3 3 3 . To the factors 2 , 2 , 3 and 7 from the decomposition of the number 84 we add the missing factors 2 , 3 , 3 and 3 from the decomposition of the number 648 , we get the product 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 7 , which is equal to 4 536 . Thus, the desired least common multiple of the numbers 84 and 648 is 4,536.

    Finding the LCM of three or more numbers

    The least common multiple of three or more numbers can be found by successively finding the LCM of two numbers. Recall the corresponding theorem, which gives a way to find the LCM of three or more numbers.

    Let positive integers a 1 , a 2 , …, a k be given, the least common multiple m k of these numbers is found in the sequential calculation m 2 = LCM (a 1 , a 2) , m 3 = LCM (m 2 , a 3) , … , m k =LCM(m k−1 , a k) .

    Consider the application of this theorem on the example of finding the least common multiple of four numbers.

    Find the LCM of the four numbers 140 , 9 , 54 and 250 .

    First we find m 2 = LCM (a 1 , a 2) = LCM (140, 9) . To do this, using the Euclidean algorithm, we determine gcd(140, 9) , we have 140=9 15+5 , 9=5 1+4 , 5=4 1+1 , 4=1 4 , therefore, gcd(140, 9)=1 , whence LCM(140, 9)=140 9: GCD(140, 9)= 140 9:1=1 260 . That is, m 2 =1 260 .

    Now we find m 3 = LCM (m 2 , a 3) = LCM (1 260, 54) . Let's calculate it through gcd(1 260, 54) , which is also determined by the Euclid algorithm: 1 260=54 23+18 , 54=18 3 . Then gcd(1 260, 54)=18 , whence LCM(1 260, 54)= 1 260 54:gcd(1 260, 54)= 1 260 54:18=3 780 . That is, m 3 \u003d 3 780.

    It remains to find m 4 = LCM (m 3 , a 4) = LCM (3 780, 250) . To do this, we find GCD(3 780, 250) using the Euclid algorithm: 3 780=250 15+30 , 250=30 8+10 , 30=10 3 . Therefore, gcd(3 780, 250)=10 , hence LCM(3 780, 250)= 3 780 250:gcd(3 780, 250)= 3 780 250:10=94 500 . That is, m 4 \u003d 94 500.

    So the least common multiple of the original four numbers is 94,500.

    LCM(140, 9, 54, 250)=94500 .

    In many cases, the least common multiple of three or more numbers is conveniently found using prime factorizations of given numbers. In this case, the following rule should be followed. The least common multiple of several numbers is equal to the product, which is composed as follows: the missing factors from the expansion of the second number are added to all the factors from the expansion of the first number, the missing factors from the expansion of the third number are added to the obtained factors, and so on.

    Consider an example of finding the least common multiple using the decomposition of numbers into prime factors.

    Find the least common multiple of five numbers 84 , 6 , 48 , 7 , 143 .

    First, we obtain decompositions of these numbers into prime factors: 84=2 2 3 7 , 6=2 3 , 48=2 2 2 2 3 , 7 (7 is a prime number, it coincides with its decomposition into prime factors) and 143=11 13 .

    To find the LCM of these numbers, to the factors of the first number 84 (they are 2 , 2 , 3 and 7) you need to add the missing factors from the expansion of the second number 6 . The expansion of the number 6 does not contain missing factors, since both 2 and 3 are already present in the expansion of the first number 84 . Further to the factors 2 , 2 , 3 and 7 we add the missing factors 2 and 2 from the expansion of the third number 48 , we get a set of factors 2 , 2 , 2 , 2 , 3 and 7 . There is no need to add factors to this set in the next step, since 7 is already contained in it. Finally, to the factors 2 , 2 , 2 , 2 , 3 and 7 we add the missing factors 11 and 13 from the expansion of the number 143 . We get the product 2 2 2 2 3 7 11 13 , which is equal to 48 048 .

    Therefore, LCM(84, 6, 48, 7, 143)=48048 .

    LCM(84, 6, 48, 7, 143)=48048 .

    Finding the Least Common Multiple of Negative Numbers

    Sometimes there are tasks in which you need to find the least common multiple of numbers, among which one, several or all numbers are negative. In these cases, all negative numbers must be replaced by their opposite numbers, after which the LCM of positive numbers should be found. This is the way to find the LCM of negative numbers. For example, LCM(54, −34)=LCM(54, 34) and LCM(−622, −46, −54, −888)= LCM(622, 46, 54, 888) .

    We can do this because the set of multiples of a is the same as the set of multiples of −a (a and −a are opposite numbers). Indeed, let b be some multiple of a , then b is divisible by a , and the concept of divisibility asserts the existence of such an integer q that b=a q . But the equality b=(−a)·(−q) will also be true, which, by virtue of the same concept of divisibility, means that b is divisible by −a , that is, b is a multiple of −a . The converse statement is also true: if b is some multiple of −a , then b is also a multiple of a .

    Find the least common multiple of the negative numbers −145 and −45.

    Let's replace the negative numbers −145 and −45 with their opposite numbers 145 and 45 . We have LCM(−145, −45)=LCM(145, 45) . Having determined gcd(145, 45)=5 (for example, using the Euclid algorithm), we calculate LCM(145, 45)=145 45:gcd(145, 45)= 145 45:5=1 305 . Thus, the least common multiple of the negative integers −145 and −45 is 1,305 .

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    We continue to study division. AT this lesson We will consider concepts such as GCD and NOC.

    GCD is the greatest common divisor.

    NOC is the least common multiple.

    The topic is rather boring, but it is necessary to understand it. Without understanding this topic, you will not be able to work effectively with fractions, which are a real obstacle in mathematics.

    Greatest Common Divisor

    Definition. Greatest Common Divisor of Numbers a and b a and b divided without remainder.

    In order to understand this definition well, we substitute instead of variables a and b any two numbers, for example, instead of a variable a substitute the number 12, and instead of the variable b number 9. Now let's try to read this definition:

    Greatest Common Divisor of Numbers 12 and 9 is the largest number by which 12 and 9 divided without remainder.

    It is clear from the definition that we are talking about a common divisor of the numbers 12 and 9, and this divisor is the largest of all existing divisors. This greatest common divisor (gcd) must be found.

    To find the greatest common divisor of two numbers, three methods are used. The first method is quite time-consuming, but it allows you to understand the essence of the topic well and feel its whole meaning.

    The second and third methods are quite simple and make it possible to quickly find the GCD. We will consider all three methods. And what to apply in practice - you choose.

    The first way is to find all possible divisors of two numbers and choose the largest of them. Let's consider this method in the following example: find the greatest common divisor of the numbers 12 and 9.

    First, we find all possible divisors of the number 12. To do this, we divide 12 into all divisors in the range from 1 to 12. If the divisor allows us to divide 12 without a remainder, then we will highlight it in blue and make an appropriate explanation in brackets.

    12: 1 = 12
    (12 divided by 1 without a remainder, so 1 is a divisor of 12)

    12: 2 = 6
    (12 divided by 2 without a remainder, so 2 is a divisor of 12)

    12: 3 = 4
    (12 divided by 3 without a remainder, so 3 is a divisor of 12)

    12: 4 = 3
    (12 divided by 4 without a remainder, so 4 is a divisor of 12)

    12:5 = 2 (2 left)
    (12 is not divided by 5 without a remainder, so 5 is not a divisor of 12)

    12: 6 = 2
    (12 divided by 6 without a remainder, so 6 is a divisor of 12)

    12: 7 = 1 (5 left)
    (12 is not divided by 7 without a remainder, so 7 is not a divisor of 12)

    12: 8 = 1 (4 left)
    (12 is not divided by 8 without a remainder, so 8 is not a divisor of 12)

    12:9 = 1 (3 left)
    (12 is not divided by 9 without a remainder, so 9 is not a divisor of 12)

    12: 10 = 1 (2 left)
    (12 is not divided by 10 without a remainder, so 10 is not a divisor of 12)

    12:11 = 1 (1 left)
    (12 is not divided by 11 without a remainder, so 11 is not a divisor of 12)

    12: 12 = 1
    (12 divided by 12 without a remainder, so 12 is a divisor of 12)

    Now let's find the divisors of the number 9. To do this, check all the divisors from 1 to 9

    9: 1 = 9
    (9 divided by 1 without a remainder, so 1 is a divisor of 9)

    9: 2 = 4 (1 left)
    (9 is not divided by 2 without a remainder, so 2 is not a divisor of 9)

    9: 3 = 3
    (9 divided by 3 without a remainder, so 3 is a divisor of 9)

    9: 4 = 2 (1 left)
    (9 is not divided by 4 without a remainder, so 4 is not a divisor of 9)

    9:5 = 1 (4 left)
    (9 is not divided by 5 without a remainder, so 5 is not a divisor of 9)

    9: 6 = 1 (3 left)
    (9 did not divide by 6 without a remainder, so 6 is not a divisor of 9)

    9:7 = 1 (2 left)
    (9 is not divided by 7 without a remainder, so 7 is not a divisor of 9)

    9:8 = 1 (1 left)
    (9 is not divided by 8 without a remainder, so 8 is not a divisor of 9)

    9: 9 = 1
    (9 divided by 9 without a remainder, so 9 is a divisor of 9)

    Now write down the divisors of both numbers. The numbers highlighted in blue are the divisors. Let's write them out:

    Having written out the divisors, you can immediately determine which one is the largest and most common.

    By definition, the greatest common divisor of 12 and 9 is the number by which 12 and 9 are evenly divisible. The greatest and common divisor of the numbers 12 and 9 is the number 3

    Both the number 12 and the number 9 are divisible by 3 without a remainder:

    So gcd (12 and 9) = 3

    The second way to find GCD

    Now consider the second way to find the greatest common divisor. The essence of this method is to decompose both numbers into prime factors and multiply the common ones.

    Example 1. Find GCD of numbers 24 and 18

    First, let's factor both numbers into prime factors:

    Now we multiply their common factors. In order not to get confused, the common factors can be underlined.

    We look at the decomposition of the number 24. Its first factor is 2. We are looking for the same factor in the decomposition of the number 18 and see that it is also there. We underline both twos:

    Again we look at the decomposition of the number 24. Its second factor is also 2. We are looking for the same factor in the decomposition of the number 18 and see that it is not there for the second time. Then we don't highlight anything.

    The next two in the expansion of the number 24 is also missing in the expansion of the number 18.

    We pass to the last factor in the decomposition of the number 24. This is the factor 3. We are looking for the same factor in the decomposition of the number 18 and we see that it is also there. We emphasize both threes:

    So, the common factors of the numbers 24 and 18 are the factors 2 and 3. To get the GCD, these factors must be multiplied:

    So gcd (24 and 18) = 6

    The third way to find GCD

    Now consider the third way to find the greatest common divisor. The essence of this method lies in the fact that the numbers to be searched for the greatest common divisor are decomposed into prime factors. Then, from the decomposition of the first number, factors that are not included in the decomposition of the second number are deleted. The remaining numbers in the first expansion are multiplied and get GCD.

    For example, let's find the GCD for the numbers 28 and 16 in this way. First of all, we decompose these numbers into prime factors:

    We got two expansions: and

    Now, from the expansion of the first number, we delete the factors that are not included in the expansion of the second number. The expansion of the second number does not include seven. We will delete it from the first expansion:

    Now we multiply the remaining factors and get the GCD:

    The number 4 is the greatest common divisor of the numbers 28 and 16. Both of these numbers are divisible by 4 without a remainder:

    Example 2 Find GCD of numbers 100 and 40

    Factoring out the number 100

    Factoring out the number 40

    We got two expansions:

    Now, from the expansion of the first number, we delete the factors that are not included in the expansion of the second number. The expansion of the second number does not include one five (there is only one five). We delete it from the first decomposition

    Multiply the remaining numbers:

    We got the answer 20. So the number 20 is the greatest common divisor of the numbers 100 and 40. These two numbers are divisible by 20 without a remainder:

    GCD (100 and 40) = 20.

    Example 3 Find the gcd of the numbers 72 and 128

    Factoring out the number 72

    Factoring out the number 128

    2×2×2×2×2×2×2

    Now, from the expansion of the first number, we delete the factors that are not included in the expansion of the second number. The expansion of the second number does not include two triplets (there are none at all). We delete them from the first expansion:

    We got the answer 8. So the number 8 is the greatest common divisor of the numbers 72 and 128. These two numbers are divisible by 8 without a remainder:

    GCD (72 and 128) = 8

    Finding GCD for Multiple Numbers

    The greatest common divisor can be found for several numbers, and not just for two. For this, the numbers to be found for the greatest common divisor are decomposed into prime factors, then the product of the common prime factors of these numbers is found.

    For example, let's find the GCD for the numbers 18, 24 and 36

    Factoring the number 18

    Factoring the number 24

    Factoring the number 36

    We got three expansions:

    Now we select and underline the common factors in these numbers. Common factors must be included in all three numbers:

    We see that the common factors for the numbers 18, 24 and 36 are factors 2 and 3. By multiplying these factors, we get the GCD we are looking for:

    We got the answer 6. So the number 6 is the greatest common divisor of the numbers 18, 24 and 36. These three numbers are divisible by 6 without a remainder:

    GCD (18, 24 and 36) = 6

    Example 2 Find gcd for numbers 12, 24, 36 and 42

    Let's factorize each number. Then we find the product of the common factors of these numbers.

    Factoring the number 12

    Factoring the number 42

    We got four expansions:

    Now we select and underline the common factors in these numbers. Common factors must be included in all four numbers:

    We see that the common factors for the numbers 12, 24, 36, and 42 are the factors 2 and 3. By multiplying these factors, we get the GCD we are looking for:

    We got the answer 6. So the number 6 is the greatest common divisor of the numbers 12, 24, 36 and 42. These numbers are divisible by 6 without a remainder:

    gcd(12, 24, 36 and 42) = 6

    From the previous lesson, we know that if some number is divided by another without a remainder, it is called a multiple of this number.

    It turns out that a multiple can be common to several numbers. And now we will be interested in a multiple of two numbers, while it should be as small as possible.

    Definition. Least common multiple (LCM) of numbers a and b- a and b a and number b.

    Definition contains two variables a and b. Let's substitute any two numbers for these variables. For example, instead of a variable a substitute the number 9, and instead of the variable b let's substitute the number 12. Now let's try to read the definition:

    Least common multiple (LCM) of numbers 9 and 12 - is the smallest number that is a multiple of 9 and 12 . In other words, it is such a small number that is divisible without a remainder by the number 9 and on the number 12 .

    It is clear from the definition that the LCM is the smallest number that is divisible without a remainder by 9 and 12. This LCM is required to be found.

    There are two ways to find the least common multiple (LCM). The first way is that you can write down the first multiples of two numbers, and then choose among these multiples such a number that will be common to both numbers and small. Let's apply this method.

    First of all, let's find the first multiples for the number 9. To find the multiples for 9, you need to multiply this nine by the numbers from 1 to 9 in turn. The answers you get will be multiples of the number 9. So, let's start. Multiples will be highlighted in red:

    Now we find multiples for the number 12. To do this, we multiply 12 by all the numbers 1 to 12 in turn.