18 = 2 · 3 · 3
12 = 2 · 2 · 3
The lowest common multiple must have each factor the maximum number of times found in the problem.
18 requires at least 1 '2' and at least 2 '3's
12 requires at least 2 '2'x and at least 1 '3'
Taking the maximum number of each, the LCM needs 2 '2's and 2 '3's ---> 2 x 2 x 3 x 3 = 36.
18 = 2 · 3 · 3
12 = 2 · 2 · 3
The lowest common multiple must have each factor the maximum number of times found in the problem.
18 requires at least 1 '2' and at least 2 '3's
12 requires at least 2 '2'x and at least 1 '3'
Taking the maximum number of each, the LCM needs 2 '2's and 2 '3's ---> 2 x 2 x 3 x 3 = 36.