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Common Multiple for Dummies

noun

pronunciation: 'kɑmən_'məltəpəl

What does Common Multiple really mean?

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Alright, so let's talk about common multiples. First, let's break it down into simpler terms. When we talk about numbers, a multiple is basically a number that you get when you multiply a certain number by another number. Like, for example, if you have the number 3, then its multiples would be 3, 6, 9, 12, and so on.

Now, a common multiple is a number that is a multiple of two or more different numbers. It's kind of like finding a number that is a "buddy" to two or more numbers, because it can be divided evenly by all of them. It's like if you and your friend both like the same book, that book would be a common interest between you. In the same way, a common multiple is like a "common interest" between different numbers.

So, let's say we have the numbers 4 and 6. If we list out their multiples, we get:
4: 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36
6: 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, 54

From this list, you can see that the number 12 is a multiple of both 4 and 6, so it is a common multiple of both numbers.

In other words, a common multiple is a number that can be divided by two or more numbers without leaving a remainder. It's like finding a "common ground" between different numbers, where they can all meet and "hang out" without any problems. I hope this helps you understand what a common multiple is! If you have any more questions, feel free to ask!

Revised and Fact checked by James Lee on 2023-11-13 02:33:16

Common Multiple In a sentece

Learn how to use Common Multiple inside a sentece

  • If you want to buy packs of pencils, and each pack has 4 pencils and another type of pack has 6 pencils, then 12 is a common multiple because it is a number that can be divided evenly by both 4 and 6.
  • Let's say you want to make bracelets and each bracelet needs 3 blue beads, and each necklace needs 5 blue beads. Then, you would need 15 blue beads as that is the smallest number that is divisible by both 3 and 5. So, 15 is a common multiple.
  • Suppose you have a garden and plants grow in groups of 8, but you also want some birdhouses to be set up in groups of 12. Then, you would need to have 24 plants and birdhouses as 24 is a common multiple of 8 and 12.
  • Imagine you have a group of 10 friends and another group of 15 friends, and you want to have a party where everyone can be divided equally into teams. You would need a number of people that is a common multiple of both 10 and 15, which is 30. So, if you have 30 friends, they can be evenly divided into teams.
  • Let's say you collect stamps and you want to display them in sheets with 6 stamps each, and also in sheets with 9 stamps each. Then, you would need to have sheets that can hold a number of stamps that is a common multiple of 6 and 9, which is 18. So, if you have 18 stamps, you can fill multiple sheets without any leftovers.

Common Multiple Hypernyms

Words that are more generic than the original word.