What Is the Lowest Common Multiple? An Easy Guide for Elementary Students

Understanding the lowest common multiple (LCM) helps students work with fractions that have different denominators. Most children are introduced to this concept in 5th grade, when they start learning how to rewrite fractions with common denominators and solve problems involving uneven groups. In this blog, we’ll explain what the lowest common multiple is and how to make it easier for elementary students to grasp. And if your child could use extra support, an elementary math tutor can help reinforce these skills with one-on-one guidance. What is the lowest common multiple? The lowest common multiple (LCM) is the smallest number that two or more numbers have in common when listing their multiples. For example, the common multiples of 4 and 6 include 12 and 36. Since 12 is the smallest, it’s the lowest common multiple of 4 and 6. How to find the lowest common multiple LCM using the listing method This is a simple way to find the lowest common multiple, especially when wor...