Question

find the least common multiple (lcm) of 12 and 9.

Explanation:

Step1: Prime factorize 12

$12 = 2^2 \times 3$

Step2: Prime factorize 9

$9 = 3^2$

Step3: Take highest powers of primes

$\text{LCM} = 2^2 \times 3^2$

Step4: Calculate the product

$\text{LCM} = 4 \times 9 = 36$

Answer:

36