LCM of 2 and 4

LCM of 2 and 4 is 4. LCM of two numbers is the smallest multiple that is divisible by both of them. In the case of 2 and 4, finding the LCM involves identifying the smallest number that is evenly divisible by both 2 and 4. To find the LCM of 2 and 4, firstly find the multiples of 2 and 4 (multiples of 2 = 2, 4, 6, 8; multiples of 4 = 4, 8, 12, 16) now the smallest multiple that is exactly divisible by 2 and 4, i.e., 4.

This article deals with, LCM of 2 and 4, How to Find LCM of 2 and 4, some examples related to it, and others.

What is LCM of 2 and 4?

When we specifically consider the LCM of 2 and 4, we are seeking the smallest positive integer that is evenly divisible by both 2 and 4. To determine the LCM, we analyze the multiples of each number and identify their common multiples until we find the smallest one. In this case, the LCM of 2 and 4 is a key example illustrating the application of this concept. By exploring the methodology of calculating the LCM for these two numbers, we gain insight into the broader principles that govern this mathematical operation.

LCM of 2 and 4 Calculator

How to Find LCM of 2 and 4

LCM of 2 and 4 can be found using various methods and some of the most common ones are,

• Prime Factorization
• Division Method
• Listing Multiples

LCM of 2 and 4 by Prime Factorization Method

Follow the below steps to find the Least Common Multiple (LCM) of 2 and 4 using the prime factorization method:

• Step 1: Find the prime factorization of each number:

Prime factorization of 2: 2 = 2¹

Prime factorization of 4: 4 = 2²

• Step 2: Identify the unique prime factors:

Unique prime factors are 2 (with exponents 1 and 2).

• Step 3: Determine the LCM:

Multiply the highest power of each unique prime factor.

Maximum power for 2 is 2 (from the prime factorization of 4)

Therefore, LCM is 2² = 4

So, therefore LCM of 2 and 4 is 4

Learn more about, Prime Factorization Method

LCM of 2 and 4 by Listing Multiples

To find the LCM of 2 and 4 by listing multiples:

• Step 1: List the multiples of each number:

Multiples of 2 are: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, …

Multiples of 4 are: 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, …

• Step 2: Identify the smallest common multiple:

Smallest common multiple is 4

Thus, the LCM of 2 and 4 by listing multiples is 4.

LCM of 2 and 4 by Division Method

To find the LCM of 2 and 4 by division method follow the steps added below,

• Step 1: Write down numbers 2 and 4

• Step 2: Divide by smallest prime number, 2

2 ÷ 2 = 1

4 ÷ 2 = 2

• Step 3: Multiply the divisor

2 × 2 = 4

Therefore LCM of 2 and 4 is 4. The image for the same is added below,

LCM of 2 and 4 Related Examples

Some examples related to lCM of 2 and 4 are,

Example 1: A train departs every 2 hours and another train departs every 4 hours. What is the minimum time interval after which both trains will depart the station again at the same time?

Solution:

Minimum time interval after which both train depart at same time from station is the LCM their time interval

LCM of 2 and 4 is 4

Therefore, after 4 hours, both trains will depart again at the same time.

Example 2: What is the smallest number that is divisible by 2 and 4 exactly?

Solution:

Smallest number that is divisible by 2 and 4 exactly is their LCM

LCM of 2 and 4 is calculted by listing multiples of 2 and 4

• Multiples of 2 = 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, . . . .
• Multiples of 4 = 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, . . . .

Smallest common multiple as checked from above multiple list is 4. Therefore, the LCM of 2 and 4 is 4.

Example 3: If the LCM of 2 and 4 is 4, then find its GCF.

Solution:

We know that,

LCM of 2 and 4 × GCF of 2 and 4 = 2 × 4

4 × GCF of 2 and 4 = 8

GCF of 2 and 4 = 8/4 = 2

FAQs on LCM of 2 and 4

What is the LCM of 2 and 4?

LCM of 2 and 4 is 4. 4 is the smallest number divisible by both 2 and 4.

What is LCM of Two Numbers?

LCM of two numbers is the least multiple of both the numbers that is common between them.

Can LCM of 2 and 4 be negative?

No, lCM of any two numbers is the least positive multiple of those two numbers, so it can never be negative.

Does Order of Numbers Matter When Finding LCM?

No, order of numbers does not affect LCM. LCM of 2 and 4 is same as LCM of 4 and 2.

What is the Relation Between GCF and LCM of 2, 4?

We know that product of LCM of two numbers and GCF of two numbers is equal to the product of the two numbers. Thus, GCF × LCM = 2 × 4.