LCM of 16 and 18
2026-02-28 09:15 Diff
https://brightchamps.com/en-us/math/numbers/lcm-of-16-and-18

359 Learners

Last updated on August 5, 2025

LCM is the smallest number that is divisible by the numbers 16 and 18 completely. In our daily life, we use the application of LCM for setting alarms in our clocks or synchronisation of traffic lights. In this article, we will be learning about LCMs 16 and 18.

What is the LCM of 16 and 18?

How to find the LCM of 16 and 18 ?

There are various methods to find the LCM, Listing method, prime factorization method and division method are explained below; 

LCM of 16 and 18 using the Listing multiples method

To ascertain the LCM, list the multiples of the integers until a common multiple is found. 

Step 1: Writedown the multiples of each number:

 
Multiples of 16 = 16,32,48,64,80,96,112,128,144,…


Multiples of 18 = 18,36,54,72,90,108,126,144,…


Step 2: Ascertain the smallest multiple from the listed multiples of 16 and 18. 


The LCM (Least common multiple) of 16 and 18 is 144. i.e., 144 is divisible by 16 and 18 with no reminder.
 

Explore Our Programs

LCM of 16 and 18 using the Prime Factorization

This method involves finding the prime factors of each number and then multiplying the highest power of the prime factors to get the LCM.


Step 1: Find the prime factors of the numbers:


Prime factorization of 16 = 2×2×2×2


Prime factorization of 18 = 2×3×3

Step 2:Take the highest power of each prime factor and multiply the ascertained factors to get the LCM: 


LCM (16,18) = 144

LCM of 16 and 18 using the Division Method

The Division Method involves dividing the numbers by their prime factors and multiplying the divisors to get the LCM. 


Step 1: Write down the numbers in a row;

Step 2: Divide the row of numbers by a prime number that is evenly divisible into at least one of the given numbers. 

Step 3: Continue dividing the numbers until the last row of the results is ‘1’ and bring down the numbers not divisible by the previously chosen prime number.

        Step 4: The LCM of the numbers is the product of the prime numbers in the first column, i.e., 
LCM (16,18) = 144

Common Mistakes and how to avoid them in LCM of 16 and 18

Listed below are a few commonly made mistakes while attempting to ascertain the LCM of 16 and 18, make a note while practicing. 
 

Problem 1

. Reduce 16/18 using LCM to its simplest form.

Okay, lets begin

16/18

= (16/2)/(18/2)

= 8/9
 

Explanation

The simplest form of the numbers is 8/9.
 

Well explained 👍

Problem 2

What is the LCM of 16^2 and 18^2?

Okay, lets begin

Calculate the prime factorization of 162 and 182; 
162= (24)2 = 28


182=(2×32) = 22×34


LCM (162,182) = 28×34


LCM (162,182) = 20736 

Explanation

 The LCM of 162 and 182 is 20736. 
 

Well explained 👍

Problem 3

Trains A and B arrive every 16 minutes and 18 minutes at the station at the same time. In how long will they arrive together again?

Okay, lets begin

The LCM of 16 and 18 = 90. 
 

Explanation

The smallest common multiple is ascertained between the numbers to ascertain the next arrival of the trains at the same time, which is in 90 minutes. 
 

Well explained 👍

FAQ’s on LCM of 16 and 18

1.What is the HCF of 16 and 18?

Factors of 16 = 1,2,4,8,16


Factors of 18 = 1,2,3,9,18


HCF(16,18) = 2
 

2.What is the LCM of 4 and 12?

Prime factorization of 4 = 2×2


Prime factorization of 12= 3×2×2 


LCM (4,12) = 12 
 

3.What is the LCM of 6,18 and 12?

Prime factorization of 18 = 2×3×3


Prime factorization of 12 = 2×2×3


Prime factorization of 6 = 2×3


LCM (6,18,12) = 36
 

4.What is the LCM of 20 and 36?

Prime factorization of 20 = 5×2×2


Prime factorization of 36 = 2×2×3×3

LCM (20,36) = 180
 

5.What is the LCM of 20 and 35?

Prime factorization of 20 = 5×2×2


Prime factorization of 35 = 5×7


LCM (20,35) = 140
 

Important glossaries for LCM of 16 and 18

  • Multiple: A number and any integer multiplied. 
  • Prime Factor: A natural number (other than 1) that has factors that are one and itself.
  • Prime Factorization: The process of breaking down a number into its prime factors is called Prime Factorization. 
  • Co-prime numbers: When the only positive integer that is a divisor of them both is 1, a number is co-prime. 
  • Relatively Prime Numbers: Numbers that have no common factors other than 1.
  • Fraction: A representation of a part of a whole.
     

What Are Numbers? 🔢 | Fun Explanation with 🎯 Real-Life Examples for Kids | ✨BrightCHAMPS Math

▶

Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana

About the Author

Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana has almost two years of teaching experience. She is a number ninja as she loves numbers. Her interest in numbers can be seen in the way she cracks math puzzles and hidden patterns.

Fun Fact

: She loves to read number jokes and games.