Multiples of a number are found by multiplying that number by 1, by 2, by 3, by 4, by 5, etc.
List the first seven multiples of 9.
9, 18, 27, 36, 45, 54, 63
Common multiples are multiples that are the same for two or more numbers.
What are the common multiples of 2 and 3?
The common multiples of 2 and 3 are 6, 12, 18, …
Notice that common multiples may go on indefinitely.
The least common multiple (LCM) is the smallest multiple that is common to two or more numbers.
What is the least common multiple of 2 and 3?
The smallest multiple common to both 2 and 3 is 6.
What is the least common multiple of 2, 3, and 4?
The least common multiple of 2, 3, and 4 is 12.