Least Common Multiple of 36 and 42

Created By : Jatin Gogia

Reviewed By : Rajasekhar Valipishetty

Last Updated : Apr 06, 2023


Free LCM Calculator determines the least common multiple (LCM) between 36 and 42 the smallest integer that is 252 that is divisible by both numbers.

Least Common Multiple (LCM) of 36 and 42 is 252.

LCM(36,42) = 252

LCM of 36 and 42

Least common multiple or lowest common denominator (LCD) can be calculated in three ways;

LCM of:
and

Least Common Multiple of 36 and 42

LCM of 36 and 42 is 252

Least common multiple can be found by multiplying the highest exponent prime factors of 36 and 42. First we will calculate the prime factors of 36 and 42.

Prime Factorization of 36


2 36
2 18
3 9
3 3
1

Prime factors of 36 are 2,3. Prime factorization of 36 in exponential form is:

36 = 22×32

Prime Factorization of 42


2 42
3 21
7 7
1

Prime factors of 42 are 2, 3,7. Prime factorization of 42 in exponential form is:

42 = 21×31×71

Now multiplying the highest exponent prime factors to calculate the LCM of 36 and 42.

LCM(36,42) = 22×32×71
LCM(36,42) = 252

Factors of 36

List of positive integer factors of 36 that divides 36 without a remainder.

1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 12, 18, 36

Factors of 42

List of positive integer factors of 42 that divides 42 without a remainder.

1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 14, 21, 42

Least Common Multiple of 36 and 42 with GCF Formula

The formula of LCM is LCM(a,b) = ( a × b) / GCF(a,b).
We need to calculate greatest common factor 36 and 42, than apply into the LCM equation.

GCF(36,42) = 6
LCM(36,42) = ( 36 × 42) / 6
LCM(36,42) = 1512 / 6
LCM(36,42) = 252

Properties of LCM 36 and 42

(i) The LCM of 42 and 36 is associative

LCM of 36 and 42 = LCM of 42 and 36

Frequently Asked Questions on LCM of 36 and 42

1. What is the LCM of 36 and 42?

Answer: LCM of 36 and 42 is 252.

2. What are the Factors of 36?

Answer: Factors of 36 are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 12, 18, 36. There are 9 integers that are factors of 36. The greatest factor of 36 is 36.

3. What are the Factors of 42?

Answer: Factors of 42 are 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 14, 21, 42. There are 8 integers that are factors of 42. The greatest factor of 42 is 42.

4. How to Find the LCM of 36 and 42?

Answer:

Least Common Multiple of 36 and 42 = 252

Step 1: Find the prime factorization of 36

36 = 2 x 2 x 3 x 3

Step 2: Find the prime factorization of 42

42 = 2 x 3 x 7

Step 3: Multiply each factor the greater number of times it occurs in steps i) or ii) above to find the lcm:

LCM = 252 = 2 x 2 x 3 x 3 x 7

Step 4: Therefore, the least common multiple of 36 and 42 is 252.