LCM: Excel Formulas Explained

Hey, you, Excel aficionados! Let's talk about LCM. No, no, I'm not talking about the hipster coffee shop down the block, but the least common multiple. Don't worry if you're not a math whiz; I'm here to explain everything in plain English, without any jargon! Excel formulas can be perplexing, and sometimes all you want to do is scream, CTRL+Z, and start again. I totally understand! Excel can be a real pain in the you-know-what. But, do you want to know a secret? Once you get the hang of it, Excel can be incredibly satisfying and even fun. Yup, I said fun! So, let's dive in and learn all about LCM!

What is LCM?

The least common multiple (LCM) is the smallest multiple that two or more integers have in common. For instance, the LCM of 4 and 6 is 12. It is called the least common multiple, as it is the lowest number that the two integers will divide into without a remainder.

Using LCM in Excel

Now that we know what LCM is let's talk about using it in Excel. Excel is a powerful tool that allows us to easily calculate LCM. To calculate LCM, we use the formula, =LCM(number1,[number2],...) Where number1 and number2 are the integers you would like to find the LCM of. The formula can be used to find the LCM of two or more integers. You can enter up to 255 numbers in the formula.

Examples of LCM in Excel

Let's dive into some examples to better understand how to use the LCM formula in Excel. Example 1: Find the LCM of 4 and 6. Step 1: Open a new Excel Worksheet. Step 2: In cell A1, enter the number 4. Step 3: In cell A2, enter the number 6. Step 4: In cell A3, enter the formula =LCM(A1,A2). Press Enter. The answer will be 12, which is the LCM of 4 and 6. Example 2: Find the LCM of 2, 3, and 5. Step 1: Open a new Excel Worksheet. Step 2: In cell A1, enter the number 2. Step 3: In cell A2, enter the number 3. Step 4: In cell A3, enter the number 5. Step 5: In cell A4, enter the formula =LCM(A1:A3). Press Enter. The answer will be 30, which is the LCM of 2, 3, and 5.

Wrapping Up

And that's it! Pretty straightforward, right? Excel formulas, including LCM, can appear challenging, but, with just a bit of practice, they will become second nature to you. Once you've mastered Excel, you'll be hailed as a wizard of the office. Remember, practice makes perfect! Start by using the LCM formula in simple examples and move on to harder ones. Don't be afraid to experiment and explore, and, if you make an error, just hit CTRL+Z and try again. So, with the power of LCM in your hands, go forth and conquer Excel like a pro, my friend!