SOLUTION: What is the smallest whole number that is divisible by 2,3,5,6,9, and 10? Explain how you found this number

Algebra ->  Divisibility and Prime Numbers -> SOLUTION: What is the smallest whole number that is divisible by 2,3,5,6,9, and 10? Explain how you found this number      Log On


   



Question 207417: What is the smallest whole number that is divisible by 2,3,5,6,9, and 10? Explain how you found this number
Answer by vleith(2983) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Find the prime factors for each of the given numbers.
2,3,5 are easy
6 = 2*3
9=3*3
10=2*5
So you can see that the least common multiple will be the one that contains the factors as follows
one 2
two 3 (since 9 is 3*3)
one 5
Why 2 threes? and not 2 of anything else? Look at the factors for each and pick number of prime factors used 'the most' in any one of the original numbers.
10 can be made using one 2 and one 5. 6 is onw 2 and one 3. Only 9 requires using any of the common factors more than once.
So the number is 2%2A3%2A3%2A5+=+90