Practice Set · Part 1
Least Common Multiple
Pick up where we left off
Where we left off
Our goal: I can find the least common multiple (LCM) of two numbers by listing or comparing their multiples, explain why the method works, and use it on a problem I have not seen before.
The big idea: The LCM is the FIRST number that shows up in both numbers' multiple lists — and you can say why it is true, and where it would stop being true.
Model to copy — Watch me
- I want the LCM of 4 and 6. I skip count the multiples of 4: 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24.
- Then I skip count the multiples of 6: 6, 12, 18, 24.
- I look for the first number in BOTH lists. 12 is in both lists, and it comes before 24.
- So the LCM of 4 and 6 is 12. I check: 12 ÷ 4 = 3 and 12 ÷ 6 = 2, so both go into 12 evenly.
Start here
You did these with your group. Now do them on your own — the model above is yours to copy.
- 1
Same stepsFinish what the group started. Use the model above, step for step.
Try it together — then prove it: Let's find the LCM of 3 and 5. What are the multiples of 3? (3, 6, 9, 12, 15.) What are the multiples of 5? (5, 10, 15.) What is the first number in both lists? (15.) So the LCM of 3 and 5 is 15. Now prove it: say why that move had to work at all — not just that it did.Show your work - 2
Warm restartA board 6 feet long is cut into pieces 3/4 foot long. How many pieces are there?
- A8 pieces
- B4 1/2 pieces
- C2 pieces
- D24 pieces
How do you know?
- 3
Warm restartA recipe needs 2/3 cup of oats per serving. How many servings can be made from 4 cups?
- A6 servings
- B2 2/3 servings
- C8 servings
- D1 1/2 servings
How do you know?
- 4
Warm restartA runner covers 2 1/2 miles in 1/2 hour. What is the speed in miles per hour?
- A5 miles per hour
- B1 1/4 miles per hour
- C2 miles per hour
- D3 miles per hour
How do you know?
Practice Set · Part 2
Least Common Multiple
Keep going
You answered these out loud. Now write them.
Answer, then say how you know — the reason is the part that counts.
- 5
Think it throughWhat is the LCM of 8 and 6?
- A12
- B24
- C48
- D14
Why is that the answer?
- 6
Think it throughHow many packs of hot dogs do you buy?
- A2
- B3
- C4
- D6
How do you know? Give a second reason as well.
- 7
Think it throughHow many packs of buns do you buy?
- A3
- B4
- C5
- D6
Explain your thinking. What would have to change for a different choice to be right?
- 8
Back to the modelWhat is the least common multiple of 4 and 6? How did sorting the multiples help you find it?
Practice Set · Part 3
Least Common Multiple
Words and reasoning
Word bank · Banco de palabras
Use the words
Fill each blank with a word from the bank.
- The smallest number that is a multiple of both is their ___ ___ ___.
- The product of a number and any whole number is a ___ of that number.
- A multiple that two or more numbers share is a ___ multiple.
- Counting forward by a number other than 1, like 6, 12, 18, is called ___.
Explain the thinking
- 9
Find the mistakeAnother student made this exact mistake in this lesson. Explain why it is wrong, then write what they should have done.
The mistake: A common mistake in Least Common Multiple is multiplying the two numbers together instead of listing multiples to find the smallest shared one. - 10
Say moreYou skip counted the multiples of 4 and 6. How did you find the least common multiple from your lists?
- 11
Write your ownWrite your own problem about this situation, then solve it and show the answer. The situation: Two robotic arms on Station Helios run on repeating cycles. Arm A resets every 9 minutes and Arm B resets every 15 minutes. Right now both arms just reset at the same moment.
Show your work
Practice Set · Part 4
Least Common Multiple
Show what you know
Last check
These two come from Lesson 6.11. If they are shaky, that is the lesson to revisit — not this one.
- 12
Show what you knowExplain your thinking — What is the LCM of 9 and 12?
- A36
- B108
- C3
- D72
Explain your choice.
- 13
From Lesson 6.11Explain your thinking — A pipe is 3/4 meter long. Each connector piece is 3/8 meter. How many connectors fit on the pipe?
- A2
- B9/32
- C3/2
- D6
How do you know?
- 14
From Lesson 6.11Is 10 tests a reasonable answer?
- AYes — each test uses far less than the total, so the answer should be well above 1
- BNo — the answer should be less than 1
- CNo — you cannot divide fractions
- DYes — because 10 is a round number
How do you know?
Be honest — this tells your teacher what to do next
| I can… | Not yet | Getting there | Got it |
|---|---|---|---|
| I can find the least common multiple (LCM) of two numbers by listing or comparing their multiples, explain why the method works, and use it on a problem I have not seen before. | |||
| I can explain why it works: The LCM is the FIRST number that shows up in both numbers' multiple lists — and you can say why it is true… | |||
| I can justify my answer to a skeptic and connect it to a second strategy or representation. |
One question I want to ask my group next time