Alba asked why we don't talk about LCM and GCM. How do you answer?

I don't understand your question

In a classroom, Alba asked why we don't talk about LCM and GCM. How would you answer?

just describe what LCM and GCM are for and give real world examples.

There is no GCM. There is no greatest number which is a common multiple.

To answer Alba's question about why we don't talk about LCM (Least Common Multiple) and GCM (Greatest Common Measure), you can explain the following:

LCM and GCM are mathematical concepts that are frequently used in various fields, including mathematics and computer science. The reason why they may not be discussed as often in everyday conversations or general discussions is because they are more specialized concepts that have particular applications.

1. LCM (Least Common Multiple): LCM is used to find the smallest multiple that two or more numbers have in common. It is commonly used in mathematical operations involving fractions, simplifying algebraic expressions, and solving problems involving multiples of numbers. In practical terms, LCM can be used for tasks like finding a common meeting time, coordinating schedules, or organizing events with recurring patterns.

To find the LCM of two or more numbers, you can:

- List the multiples of each number until you find a common multiple.
- Use prime factorization to find the LCM by multiplying the highest power of common prime factors.

2. GCM (Greatest Common Measure) or GCD (Greatest Common Divisor): GCM is used to find the largest number that divides two or more numbers without leaving a remainder. It is commonly used in simplifying fractions, reducing fractions to their simplest form, and solving problems related to dividing quantities into equal groups. GCM is also utilized in algorithms and cryptography.

To find the GCM of two or more numbers, you can:

- List the factors of each number and find the common factors.
- Use prime factorization to find the GCM by multiplying the common prime factors, using the smallest exponent.

While these concepts may not be widely discussed in everyday conversations, they provide important tools and techniques for solving mathematical problems, optimizing algorithms, and making calculations more efficient in various domains.