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QuestionMathematics

What is the Least Common Multiple (LCM) of 3 and 6?
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Answer

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Step 1:
I'll solve this step-by-step using the LCM method:

Step 2:
: Understand the Definition

The Least Common Multiple (LCM) is the smallest positive number that is divisible by both numbers.

Step 3:
: List Multiples of 3

Multiples of 3: $$3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, \ldots

Step 4:
: List Multiples of 6

Multiples of 6: $$6, 12, 18, 24, \ldots

Step 5:
: Identify the Smallest Common Multiple

Looking at the lists, we can see that $$6$$ is the smallest number that appears in both sets of multiples.

Step 6:
: Verify the LCM

- $$6 \div 3 = 2$$ (whole number)
- 6 \div 6 = 1 (whole number)

Final Answer

Note: Another way to calculate this would be to use the formula: LCM(a,b) = \frac{|a \times b|}{GCD(a,b)}, but in this simple case, direct listing works perfectly.