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Factors, multiples and primes
Lesson 20 of 75
Review

Highest common factor and lowest common multiple

Objective. Find HCF and LCM and apply them to scheduling problems.

  1. 1. Learn
  2. 2. Worked example
  3. 3. Practice
  4. 4. Feedback
  5. 5. Continue

Learn: the key idea

Highest common factor and lowest common multiple is built on a small number of dependable facts. Reveal number structure through divisibility and prime factorisation. Represent the information first, choose a method deliberately, show each step and use an inverse operation or estimate to check that the result fits the question.

Worked example

Find the LCM of 8 and 9.

8 … 9
Illustrated card showing 8 … 9
  1. 1Identify the mathematical information and what must be found.
  2. 2Represent it with a number line, diagram, table or expression where helpful.
  3. 3Apply the relevant fact carefully and keep each line clear.
  4. 4Check the result against the conditions in the question: 72.

Answer: 72

Concept mastery

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Practice

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Common mistake. A common mistake in highest common factor and lowest common multiple is to apply a remembered procedure before reading the signs, units or order carefully. Write the structure first, then calculate and check.

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