How to find the lcm of variables? Please explain a plain and fast way to do it. Thanks.

Question

barrycarter · Answer

You usually find the LCM of numbers, not variables. Could you give an example? Multiplying the variables together will give A common multiple, but not necessarily the LCM

anonymous · Answer

Like x+2 and x. Or x+5 and x+8

barrycarter · Answer

In this case, you'd just have to multiply them together. No guarantee it's a least common multiple, but it's a common multiple, so you can do fractions and stuff.

anonymous · Answer

Ah I see. What if there were two variables like this: 9x and 8x.

barrycarter · Answer

In that, find the LCM of 9 and 8 (which in this case is 9*8), and you'll have 72x

anonymous · Answer

Thanks a lot :) I've got it now.