What is the least common denominator of #1/2, 1/4, and 3/8#?

2 Answers
Mar 5, 2018

The least common denominator is #8#

Explanation:

Given: #1/2, 1/4, 3/8#. Find the least common denominator

The least common denominator is the Least Common Multiple (LCM) of the three denominators.

To find the LCM, write multiples of the three denominators:
#2: 2, 4, 6, color(red)(8), 10, 12, ...#

#4: 4, color(red)(8), 12, 16, 20, ...#

#8: color(red)(8), 16, 24, 32, ...#

The LCM is the smallest multiple that is common to all three: #8#

This means the least common denominator is #8#

Mar 5, 2018

#LCM =8#

Explanation:

In this case you should notice that #2 and 4# are both factors of #8#.

#8# is therefore the LCM because it is divisible by all three denominators.