Math Problem Statement

Find the least common multiple of 3 and 14.

Solution

To find the least common multiple (LCM) of 3 and 14, we can follow these steps:

  1. List the prime factors:

    • 3 is a prime number, so its prime factorization is 33.
    • 14 can be factored as 2×72 \times 7.
  2. Identify the highest powers of each prime factor:

    • The factors are 2, 3, and 7.
    • The highest powers are: 212^1, 313^1, and 717^1.
  3. Multiply these together: LCM=21×31×71=2×3×7=42LCM = 2^1 \times 3^1 \times 7^1 = 2 \times 3 \times 7 = 42

Thus, the least common multiple of 3 and 14 is 42.

Would you like more details, or do you have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions:

  1. What is the LCM of 6 and 14?
  2. How do you find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of two numbers?
  3. Can you explain the relationship between LCM and GCD?
  4. How is the LCM of two prime numbers calculated?
  5. What are the properties of multiples in number theory?

Tip: The LCM of two numbers is always a multiple of their greatest common divisor (GCD).

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Number Theory
Prime Factorization
Least Common Multiple (LCM)

Formulas

LCM(a, b) = (a * b) / GCD(a, b)
Prime factorization

Theorems

Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetic

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 5-7