Multiples
Identify and list multiples of whole numbers in Grade 6 math by skip-counting or multiplying — find common multiples of two numbers and determine the least common multiple (LCM).
Key Concepts
Property We find multiples of a number by multiplying the number by 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and so on.
Examples The first four multiples of 9 are: $9, 18, 27, 36$. The tenth multiple of 6 is $10 \times 6 = 60$. The first five multiples of 11 are $11, 22, 33, 44, 55$.
Explanation Think of multiples as the 'greatest hits' from a number's multiplication table! They are all the answers you get when you multiply your number by any whole number, starting with one. It is like skip counting, but on a super powered level. Knowing multiples helps you spot patterns and is a key skill for division and finding common denominators.
Common Questions
What are multiples of a number?
Multiples of a number are found by multiplying it by 1, 2, 3, 4, and so on. For example, multiples of 4 are 4, 8, 12, 16, 20... They are the results of skip-counting by that number.
What is a common multiple?
A common multiple is a number that is a multiple of two or more given numbers. For example, 12 is a common multiple of 3 and 4, because 3 × 4 = 12 and 4 × 3 = 12.
What is the least common multiple (LCM)?
The LCM is the smallest positive common multiple of two or more numbers. The LCM of 4 and 6 is 12, because 12 is the smallest number in both lists: 4,8,12... and 6,12...
How are multiples used to add fractions?
To add fractions with unlike denominators, you need a common denominator, which is a common multiple of the denominators. Using the LCM as the common denominator keeps numbers small and simplifies calculation.