What is the LCM of 12 and 18?

This is the absolute simplest massive method. We physically write down the heavy multiplication tables for both numbers until we violently find the first matching number.

• Massive Multiples of 12: 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72...
• Massive Multiples of 18: 18, 36, 54, 72...
• As you can physically see, the number 36 is the absolute first (lowest) number that appears in both heavy lists. Therefore, the LCM is 36.

This massive method is heavily used in higher classes for larger numbers.

• Step 1: Break massive 12 into prime numbers: $12 = 2 \times 2 \times 3$ (or $2^2 \times 3^1$).
• Step 2: Break massive 18 into prime numbers: $18 = 2 \times 3 \times 3$ (or $2^1 \times 3^2$).
• Step 3: Build the LCM: To mathematically violently construct the LCM, take the absolute highest massive power of every prime number you see.
• Highest power of 2 is $2^2$ (4). Highest power of 3 is $3^2$ (9).
• LCM = $4 \times 9$ = 36.