find the lcd of each setof fractions: 1/2, 1/8, 1/16

Let's see what the smallest number that is divisible by each of the denominators.

2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 . . .

8, 16, 24 . . .

16, 32 . . .

Which is the smallest number that each denominator goes into?

the smallest number is 2

But 16 doesn't go into 2. And 2 isn't evenly divisible by 8.

When you look for the LCD, you want the smallest number that all denominators will go into.

1/2 = 8/16
1/8 = 2/16
1/16 = 1/16

lcd = lowest common denominator

Maybe you're thinking of lcm -- least common multiple.

http://www.helpwithfractions.com/least-common-denominator.html

To find the least common denominator (LCD) of a set of fractions, you need to determine the smallest multiple that is common to all the denominators. Here's how you can find the LCD for the given set of fractions: 1/2, 1/8, and 1/16.

1. Start by listing the multiples of each denominator:
- Multiples of 2: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, ...
- Multiples of 8: 8, 16, 24, 32, ...
- Multiples of 16: 16, 32, 48, 64, ...

2. Look for the smallest multiple that is common to all three denominators. In this case, the number 16 is the smallest multiple that appears in all three lists.

Therefore, the least common denominator (LCD) of the fractions 1/2, 1/8, and 1/16 is 16.