What is the least common multiple of 8 and 12?

The least common multiple (LCM) of 8 and 12 is 24.

Here's why:

• The multiples of 8 are: 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48,...
• The multiples of 12 are: 12, 24, 36, 48, 60,...

The smallest multiple that both numbers share is 24. You can also find the LCM using the prime factorization method.

• Prime factorization of 8: 2 x 2 x 2 = 2³
• Prime factorization of 12: 2 x 2 x 3 = 2² x 3

To find the LCM, take the highest power of each prime factor that appears in either factorization and multiply them together: 2³ x 3 = 8 x 3 = 24.

Therefore, the least common multiple of 8 and 12 is 24.