Year 7 - Maths
Lowest common multiple
Properties of number: factors, multiples, squares and cubes
Study Hub
Study Guides
This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit pupils develop their understanding of factors and multiples, then extend this knowledge to learn general divisibility tests for integers and develop strategies to determine the highest common factor and lowest common multiple of two or more integers.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to use the prime factorisation of two or more positive integers to efficiently find their lowest common multiple.
Key Notes
- Common multiples can be found using the prime factorisation of numbers
- The lowest common multiple of two numbers can be found by comparing the prime factorisation of both numbers
- Sometimes a Venn diagram can help identify the lowest common multiple of two numbers
- The lowest common multiple of more than two numbers can be found using prime factorisation
Vocabulary To Learn
- Lowest common multiple: The lowest common multiple is the lowest number that is a multiple of two or more integers.
- LCM: LCM is an abbreviation for lowest common multiple.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- When using a Venn diagram misplacement of factors is common.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
Common multiples can be found using the prime factorisation of numbers. The lowest common multiple of two numbers can be found by comparing the prime factorisation of both numbers.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Lowest common multiple'
The lowest common multiple is the lowest number that is a multiple of two or more integers. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: When using a Venn diagram misplacement of factors is common. Correction: Encourage students to check that the product of factors in each set is the correct integer.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Calculating integers from their prime factor expressions Study Guide
- Checking understanding of factors, multiples, squares and cubes Study Guide
- Checking understanding of prime numbers Study Guide
- Divisibility tests for 2 and 3 Study Guide
- Divisibility tests for 4 and 8 Study Guide
- Divisibility tests for 5 and 10 Study Guide
- Divisibility tests for 6 and 9 Study Guide
- Expressing an integer as a product of its prime factors Study Guide
- HCF or LCM Study Guide
- Highest common factor Study Guide
- Listing factors Study Guide
- Listing multiples Study Guide
- Power notation Study Guide
- Powers and roots using a calculator Study Guide
- Problem solving with factors, multiples, squares and cubes Study Guide
- Securing understanding of factors, multiples, squares and cubes Study Guide
- Square and cube numbers Study Guide
- Square and cube roots Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 7 Maths guide library.