What is the least common multiple of 9 and 8?

The least common multiple (LCM) of two numbers is the smallest number that both numbers can divide into evenly.

To find the LCM of 9 and 8, we can determine the prime factors of each number:

• The prime factors of 9 are 3 and 3 (9 = 3 * 3)
• The prime factors of 8 are 2, 2, and 2 (8 = 2 * 2 * 2)

To find the LCM, we take the highest power of each prime factor that appears in either number:

• The LCM of 9 and 8 is 2 * 2 * 2 * 3 * 3 = 72

Therefore, the least common multiple of 9 and 8 is 72.