Question

Find the LCM of the polynomials. 2x - 4, 5x - 10

Answer 1

10(x-2)

Explanation:

2x - 4

5x - 10

factor both

2(x - 2)

5(x - 2)

List all factors once

(5)(2)(x-2)

10(x-2)

Answer 2

10x - 20

Explanation:

First, factor both polynomials.

2x - 4 = 2(x - 2)

5x - 10 = 5(x - 2)

The LCM is the product of the common and not common factors with larger exponent.

LCM = 2 * 5 * (x - 2)

LCM = 10(x - 2) = 10x - 20