The least common multiple, or LCM, of numbers \(a\) and \(b\) is the smallest whole number \(m > 1\) such that \(a\) divides \(m\) and \(b\) divides \(m.\)
Example: Find the LCM of \(4\) and \(6.\)
To find the least common multiple of \(4\) and \(6,\) write a few multiples of each.
Multiples of \(4\): \(4,\) \(8,\) \(12,\) \(16,\) \(20,\) \(24,\dots\)
Multiples of \(6\): \(6,\) \(12,\) \(18,\) \(24,\) \(30,\dots\)
If we compare both lists we can see that we have found two multiples in common, \(12\) and \(24.\) The LCM is \(12.\)
Find the LCM of these two numbers.