Understanding Least Common Multiple through Prime Factorization

What is the first step in finding the least common multiple of two numbers using the prime factorization method?

• Add the numbers together

• Find the prime factors of each number

• Multiply the numbers directly

• Divide the numbers by their greatest common divisor

When aligning the prime factors of two numbers, what should you do if a prime factor appears more than once?

• Write it down multiple times

• Ignore it completely

• Write it down only once

• Multiply it by itself

Why is it important to align the same prime factors vertically when calculating the LCM?

• To ensure all factors are included

• To make the calculation easier

• To simplify the subtraction process

• To avoid mistakes in addition

What is the result of multiplying 2 * 2 * 2 in the process of finding the LCM?

• 6

• 10

• 4

• 8

What is the least common multiple of 104 and 76?

• 1,500

• 1,024

• 1,976

• 2,048