What is the least common denominator of 1/2, 1/4, and 3/8?

2 Answers
Mar 5, 2018

The least common denominator is 8

Explanation:

Given: 1/2, 1/4, 3/8. Find the least common denominator

The least common denominator is the Least Common Multiple (LCM) of the three denominators.

To find the LCM, write multiples of the three denominators:
2: 2, 4, 6, color(red)(8), 10, 12, ...

4: 4, color(red)(8), 12, 16, 20, ...

8: color(red)(8), 16, 24, 32, ...

The LCM is the smallest multiple that is common to all three: 8

This means the least common denominator is 8

Mar 5, 2018

LCM =8

Explanation:

In this case you should notice that 2 and 4 are both factors of 8.

8 is therefore the LCM because it is divisible by all three denominators.