Math Problem Statement

Produce the least positive number that is divisible by 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11.

The number is___

Solution

To find the least positive number divisible by all the numbers from 2 to 11, we need to calculate the least common multiple (LCM) of these numbers.

Step-by-Step Calculation:

  1. Prime factorizations of each number:

    • 2 = 22
    • 3 = 33
    • 4 = 222^2
    • 5 = 55
    • 6 = 2×32 \times 3
    • 7 = 77
    • 8 = 232^3
    • 9 = 323^2
    • 10 = 2×52 \times 5
    • 11 = 1111
  2. Take the highest powers of each prime factor:

    • For 2: The highest power is 232^3 (from 8).
    • For 3: The highest power is 323^2 (from 9).
    • For 5: The highest power is 55 (from 5 or 10).
    • For 7: The highest power is 77 (from 7).
    • For 11: The highest power is 1111 (from 11).
  3. Multiply these highest powers together to get the LCM: LCM=23×32×5×7×11\text{LCM} = 2^3 \times 3^2 \times 5 \times 7 \times 11 LCM=8×9×5×7×11=27720\text{LCM} = 8 \times 9 \times 5 \times 7 \times 11 = 27720

Thus, the least positive number divisible by 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 is 27720.


Would you like more details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions:

  1. What is the least common multiple of 2, 3, and 5?
  2. How would the answer change if the range extended to 12?
  3. What is the greatest common divisor (GCD) of 8 and 9?
  4. How does prime factorization help in finding LCM?
  5. What is the difference between GCD and LCM?

Tip: When finding the LCM, always use the highest powers of prime factors from the given numbers.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Number Theory
Least Common Multiple (LCM)
Prime Factorization

Formulas

LCM(a, b, c, ...) = Highest powers of prime factors in each number

Theorems

Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetic

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 6-8