Using the Ladder Method to Find the Least Common Multiple

The video tutorial explains how to find the least common multiple (LCM) of numbers using the ladder method. It begins with a viewer's question about finding the LCM of 812 and 24. The instructor demonstrates choosing shared factors, dividing the numbers, and continuing the process until only ones remain. Finally, the LCM is calculated by multiplying the numbers outside the ladder, resulting in an LCM of 24.

What is the first step in using the ladder method to find the LCM of numbers?

• Divide all numbers by the largest number.

• Select a factor shared by at least two numbers.

• Choose any random number.

• Multiply all numbers together.

When using the ladder method, what should you do if a factor does not divide evenly into a number?

• Add the factor to the number.

• Bring the number down unchanged.

• Multiply the number by the factor.

• Ignore the number completely.

Which of the following is a shared factor of 8, 12, and 24?

• 7

• 4

• 9

• 5

What is the final step in the ladder method to find the LCM?

• Add all the numbers inside the ladder.

• Divide the largest number by the smallest.

• Subtract the smallest number from the largest.

• Multiply all the numbers outside the ladder.

What is the LCM of 8, 12, and 24 using the ladder method?

• 12

• 16

• 24

• 36