1. Let's start by stating the problem: We want to find the Least Common Multiple (LCM) of two or more numbers. 2. The LCM of numbers is the smallest positive integer that is divisible by all the numbers. 3. The formula to find the LCM using prime factorization is: $$\text{LCM} = \prod \text{(highest powers of all prime factors)}$$ 4. Important rules: - List the prime factors of each number. - Take the highest power of each prime factor from all numbers. - Multiply these highest powers together to get the LCM. 5. Example: Find the LCM of 12 and 18. - Prime factors of 12: $2^2 \times 3^1$ - Prime factors of 18: $2^1 \times 3^2$ - Highest powers: $2^2$ (from 12), $3^2$ (from 18) - Multiply: $2^2 \times 3^2 = 4 \times 9 = 36$ 6. So, the LCM of 12 and 18 is $36$. This method works for any set of integers.