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How to Find the GCF and LCM of 3 Numbers Using Prime Factorization | Math with Mr. J

From Math with Mr. J

How to Find the GCF and LCM of 3 Numbers Using Prime Factorization | Math with Mr. J
14 min6thMath
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Summary

How to find the greatest common factor (GCF) and least common multiple (LCM) of two numbers. Mr. J shows listing and prime-factorization methods and when each is useful.

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All ages

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Teaching resources

Discussion questions

The GCF is the biggest factor two numbers share; the LCM is the smallest multiple they share.

  1. What is the difference between a factor and a multiple?
  2. How is the GCF useful for simplifying fractions?
  3. How is the LCM useful for adding unlike fractions?

Quick work-a-long

Words to know: factor, multiple, GCF, LCM

  • Find the GCF of 12 and 18.
  • Find the LCM of 4 and 6.