Applications of LCM and HCF

The topic of LCM and HCF holds tremendous significance in mathematics. HCF and LCM are the basic building blocks in various math topics. The fundamental knowledge of this topic helps students to learn complex problems and issues quickly. Students need to understand the applications of these concepts to understand their relevance and usage in their lives. Cuemath enables kids to learn various math concepts along with their real-life applications with ease.

HCF and LCM play an essential role in number theory and various other topics like prime factorization, permutation, combinations, etc. These topics require absolute numerical rigour and can be easier to understand if the fundamentals are clear.

1. What is LCM, and how is it used in real-life situations?

LCM (Least common multiple) is the least number which is exactly divisible by each one of the given numbers. It is used to solve problems related to racetracks, traffic lights, predict when an event occurs again over the same period, etc. Here are some ways the concept of LCM is applied in our everyday life:

Repetitive tasks and events: The traffic controllers have to set the timings of traffic lights so that all lights are not green simultaneously, especially in busy day timings. This may create problems and they have to be set for a few minutes only. A traffic controller takes the timings of nearby places in the same area and calculates the LCM of all traffic stops to set the timing for each signal. This way, he can easily manage the traffic by setting alerts at different times or by increasing/decreasing the duration of each movement.

Solving Fractions: The basic concept of LCM helps in arithmetic for solving fractions. We have to bring both of them to the same denominator to solve infractions with different denominators. This requires first bringing them to have a common denominator by using LCM.

Think about when something will happen again at the same time. It is used to figure out something that will happen again at the same time. For example, it is helpful to send rockets and space shuttles to planets when they’re the nearest to earth.

Encryption: LCM of substantial prime numbers is also helpful in RSA encryption techniques to securely send the information over internet connections.

Many more real-life and mathematical, and real-life examples apply the concept of LCM.

2. What is HCF, and how is it used in real-life situations?

HCF (Highest Common Factor) is the most significant number that can divide the given numbers without any remainder. It is used to split things into smaller sections, arrange something into rows or groups, distribute more numbers of items too large groups, figure out how many people we have to invite, and so on when we want to split things into smaller sections.

Practical Estimation: When you plan for a party and want to ensure that nothing gets wasted or you need a proper estimation, you can use the concept of HCF to figure out the same.

Equally, distribute things: HCF is a required method to spread things equally among a group or set. Let’s consider the example of distributing 20 chocolates and 40 sweets amongst ten children, so here we will give each child two chocolates and four sweets.

Optimization of resource: You can use HCF to estimate the minimum number of square towels that can be cut from a ream of cloth of a certain length and width without wasting any fabric.

Arrange something in rows and groups: To solve space issues, efficiently stock two or more quantities of different dimensions; you can use HCF of the amounts to decide and implement.

Learning the concepts of LCM and HCF comes quite handy while pursuing higher studies in mathematics and other related fields. Having a conceptual understanding of these techniques can be pretty beneficial in planning, estimating, and dividing things.

Learning the real-life applications of these concepts enhances problem-solving and critical thinking in kids. Cuemath enables kids to grasp various math concepts and their real-world application with ease. It provides multiple learning resources and interactive activities to aid visualized learning and problem-solving mindsets in kids.