common multiple

noun

, Mathematics.

1. a number that is a multiple of all the numbers of a given set.

common multiple

noun

1. an integer or polynomial that is a multiple of each integer or polynomial in a group

   20 is a common multiple of 2, 4, 5, 10

common multiple

1. A number divisible by each of two or more numbers without a remainder. For example, 12 is a common multiple of 2, 3, 4, and 6.

Word History and Origins

Origin of common multiple¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

He even nailed some pretty dense math problems like, “Find the least common multiple of six, eight, and sixteen.”

From Literature

Last night I had a dream in which I proved the non-existence of God by the least common multiple.

From Project Gutenberg

In adding and subtracting fractions the pupil should not find the least common multiple of their denominators but should find any common multiple that he can find quickly and correctly.

From Project Gutenberg

Find the highest common factor and the lowest common multiple of the three expressions     2.

From Project Gutenberg

He posted the first video on Nov. 16, 2006; in it, he explained the basics of least common multiples.

From BusinessWeek