What is the least common multiple, LCM, of the two monomials?
15x2y3 and 18xy2
I think it's 3xy. Can you check my answer?

Question

What is the least common multiple, LCM, of the two monomials?
15x2y3 and 18xy2
I think it's 3xy. Can you check my answer?

anonymous · Answer

You're missing one "y"

anonymous · Answer

Do you see the correct answer now?

anonymous · Answer

3xy^2?

anonymous · Answer

Yep!

anonymous · Answer

Oh no.. that's not an option. Its either 3xy, 30xy^2, or 90 x^2y^3

anonymous · Answer

Oops! I read the question too quickly and was thinking greatest common factor from the answer you gave. Give me a sec, and I'll work through it with you.

anonymous · Answer

The least common multiple is the smallest number that has all of the factors. Start with 15 and 18. 15=3x5 and 18=3x3x2, so the the LCM of this part is 3x5x3x3. Does that make sense?

anonymous · Answer

Yes

anonymous · Answer

Then you do the same for the x and y terms...

anonymous · Answer

When you see the word factor, think of something less, and when you see the word multiple, think of something bigger