Question

Find the least common multiple of the pair of polynomials.

2y^2 - 50 & y - 5​

Answer 1

The least common multiple is 2y^2 - 50.

Explanation:

Least common multiple means the lowest thing you can multiply them both to. For example, the LCM of 2 and 4 is 2, because 2*2 = 4 and 4*1 = 4.

First, factor 2y^2 - 50.

2 (y^2 - 25)

2 (y - 5)(y + 5)

Looks like if we wanted to get 2y^2 - 50 starting with y - 5, we'd have to multiply it by 2(y + 5).

2y^2 - 50 * 1 = 2y^2 - 50

y - 5 * 2(y + 5) = 2y^2 - 50

So their least common multiple is 2y^2 - 50.