Suppose it was 5, 7, 8: LCM = 280 — no.

Wed, 06 May 2026 09:04:16 +0000

Understanding LCM Misconceptions: Why 5, 7, 8 Do Not Equal LCM = 280 When exploring least common multiples (LCM), it’s common to encounter relatable number sets like 5, 7, and 8 — but a popular claim suggests their LCM equals 280. This assertion is incorrect. Let’s break down what the LCM truly is, why 5, 7, and 8 don’t match that value, and how to correctly calculate LCM for real-world math applications. ### What is the Least Common Multiple (LCM)? The LCM of two or more integers is the smallest positive integer divisible by each number without leaving a remainder. For multiple numbers, it’s found by combining their prime factorizations and taking the highest power of each prime.