a movie rental store gives free popcorn to every fourth customer and a free movie rental to every sixth customer. Which customer was the first to win both prizes?

Question

jim_thompson5910 · Answer

The LCM of 4 and 6 is 12. 


So the 12th customer is the first to win both prizes.

anonymous · Answer

Will explain why it is the 12th, I think I am missing something

jim_thompson5910 · Answer

multiples of 4 are: 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24

multiples of 6 are: 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36


Notice how the smallest number those two sets share in common is 12. So the LCM is 12.

jim_thompson5910 · Answer

basically, if the customer is a multiple of 4, they win the first prize


if the customer is a multiple of 6, they win the second prize

jim_thompson5910 · Answer

if that customer is a multiple of BOTH 4 AND 6, then they win both prizes


12 is the smallest number that fits this description

anonymous · Answer

I see it now and that makes perfect sense...i sometimes make math a little harder than it seems