What is the least common multiple of 4 and 6?

The least common multiple (LCM) of two numbers is the smallest number that is a multiple of both. To find the LCM of 4 and 6, we can begin by listing the multiples of each number.

The multiples of 4 are: 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, ...

The multiples of 6 are: 6, 12, 18, 24, ...

Next, we identify the smallest number that appears in both lists of multiples. The first common multiple in both lists is 12.

Therefore, 12 is the smallest number that is a multiple of both 4 and 6, confirming that it is indeed the least common multiple. Learning to determine the LCM helps in solving problems that involve finding common denominators in fractions or coordinating schedules, where repeated events can be harmonized.