Math Problem Statement

Find the least common multiple of the expressions 10v^5 x^4 and 25u^8 v^2 x^3.

Solution

We are tasked with finding the least common multiple (LCM) of two expressions:

10v5x4and25u8v2x310v^5 x^4 \quad \text{and} \quad 25u^8 v^2 x^3

Step-by-step breakdown:

  1. Factorize the coefficients:

    • For 10v5x410v^5 x^4, the coefficient is 10, which factors as 2×52 \times 5.
    • For 25u8v2x325u^8 v^2 x^3, the coefficient is 25, which factors as 525^2.
  2. Identify the LCM of the coefficients:

    • LCM of 10 and 25: LCM(2×5,52)=2×52=50\text{LCM}(2 \times 5, 5^2) = 2 \times 5^2 = 50.
  3. Determine the LCM for each variable:

    • For vv: The powers of vv in the expressions are 5 and 2. The LCM of the exponents is the highest power, which is v5v^5.
    • For xx: The powers of xx in the expressions are 4 and 3. The LCM of the exponents is x4x^4.
    • For uu: Only the second expression contains uu with a power of 8. The LCM will include u8u^8.

Final LCM expression:

LCM(10v5x4,25u8v2x3)=50u8v5x4\text{LCM}(10v^5 x^4, 25u^8 v^2 x^3) = 50 u^8 v^5 x^4

The least common multiple of the two expressions is 50u8v5x4\boxed{50 u^8 v^5 x^4}.

Would you like any further details or explanations?

Here are five related questions to consider:

  1. What are the steps for finding the LCM of more complex algebraic expressions?
  2. How does the LCM change when there are negative exponents?
  3. What is the significance of finding the LCM in algebraic operations?
  4. Can you explain how to find the LCM when one of the variables is missing in one of the expressions?
  5. How is the LCM used in solving equations involving fractions?

Tip: Always take the highest powers of variables when calculating the least common multiple of algebraic terms.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Least Common Multiple
Algebraic Expressions
Exponents
Factoring

Formulas

LCM of constants: LCM(a, b)
LCM of variables: highest power of each variable

Theorems

LCM theorem for polynomials: For any two polynomials, the LCM is obtained by taking the highest powers of all variables in both polynomials.

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12