How to Calculate the LCM of 4 and 10?
There are three main methods to calculate the LCM of 4 and 10:
- Prime Factorisation
- Division method
- Listing the multiples
Using the Prime Factorisation Method for LCM of 4 and 10
In the Prime Factorisation method, the numbers are broken down into their prime factors. For instance, 4 and 10 can be broken down as follows:
4 = 2 x 2
10 = 2 x 5
Therefore, the LCM (4, 10) = 2 x 2 x 5 = 20
Using the Division Method for LCM of 4 and 10
In the Division Method, the numbers are divided by the smallest number that divides all until no further division is possible.
2 | 4 | 10 |
2 | 2 | 5 |
5 | 1 | 5 |
x | 1 | 1 |
Hence, the LCM (4, 10) = 2 x 2 x 5 = 20
Using the Listing Multiples Method for LCM of 4 and 10
By listing the multiples of the given numbers, the first (or least) common multiple can be identified. Here are the multiples for 4 and 10:
Multiples of 4 | Multiples of 10 |
4 | 10 |
8 | 20 |
12 | 30 |
16 | 40 |
20 | 20 |
Therefore, the LCM (4, 10) = 20