How do i find LCM's of big and little numbers? Please answers so i can understand clearly

Question

anonymous · Answer

The LCM of two numbers, big or small, is the lowest number which is a multiple of both numbers. So, we know the LCM will be LARGER than both numbers.

Take two numbers 4 and 51.

Break these down into prime factors 4 = 2 times 2; 51 = 3 times 17

Pick all the fprime factors NOT repeated: i.e. 2 times 2 times 3 times 17

So, LCM (4,51) = 12 times 17 = 204

204, the LCM of 4 and 51 is a multiple of 51 times 4 and a multiple of 4 times 51