1. LCM of Variable Expressions
Lesson 5.1

2. Math Vocabulary
Multiple: The numbers that come from multiplying a given number with 1, 2, 3, 4… etc. LCM- least/lowest common multiple: The lowest common number that two or more given numbers can multiply into

3. **Check to see if highest given # can be LCM
Finding LCM
When finding LCM:
**Check to see if highest given # can be LCM
If not…
List the multiples of highest #
Find the FIRST multiple (of highest #) that can be a multiple of ALL given #s
List the LCM
Find the LCM of…
2 and 6: 6:
LCM =
3 and 7: 7:
3, 4, and 6:

4. Finding LCM of Variable Expressions
When finding LCM with variables:
**Check to see if highest given # can be LCM
Find the FIRST multiple (of highest #) that can be a multiple of ALL given #s
List all the variables between both terms
List the highest exponent for each variable
Find the LCM of…
3x⁵ and 12x⁴
LCM #:
ALL Variable(s):
Highest variable exponent(s):

5. Finding LCM of Variable Expressions
Find the LCM of… 2a³b and 7abc⁸ LCM #: ALL Variable(s): Highest variable exponent(s):
Find the LCM of… 5r⁷s³t and 15m⁴rt LCM #: ALL Variable(s): Highest variable exponent(s):

6. Practice…
a) Name the LCM of 2 and 8 LCM = _____ 2) Name the LCM of 3 and 5 LCM = _____ 3) Name the LCM of 4s and 6s⁶t LCM = _____ 4) Name the LCM of 12mn³p and 24mp⁹r LCM = _____

7. Homework…