What is the least common multiple of #p# and #q# if #p, q# are prime numbers ?

2 Answers
George C.
May 22, 2015

If #p# and #q# are distinct primes then the LCM (least common multiple) of #p# and #q# is #(pxxq)#. This is the smallest number divisible by both #p# and #q#.

If #p = q# then the LCM of #p# and #q# is #p#.

Don't Memorise
May 22, 2015

A prime number is a natural number greater than 1 which has no divisor other than 1 and itself.

example : # 2, 3, 5 ,7 , 11 ,13...# etc

The least common multiple (LCM) of two numbers is the smallest non zero number which is a multiple of both numbers.

considering the L.C.M of two primes :

  • #2 and 3# , here the L.C.M = #2 xx 3 = 6#
  • # 3 and 5# , L.C.M = # 3 xx 5 = 15#
  • #2 and 7# , L.C.M = #2 xx 7 = 14#

so if #p# and #q# are primes L.C.M #= p xx q = pq#

Related questions
Impact of this question
36328 views around the world
You can reuse this answer
Creative Commons License