GCD & LCM
Prime factorization lets us compare multiplicative structure: the GCD keeps the prime powers shared by both numbers, while the LCM contains every prime power required by either.
What you'll learn
- Build the GCD from the shared copies in two prime factorizations.
- Build the LCM from enough copies to reconstruct either number.
- Distinguish common factors from common multiples and choose the operation a situation requires.
- Retain prime multiplicities by using smaller exponents for GCD and larger exponents for LCM.
Before you start
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