Aptitude Solved Problems

(L.C.M and H.C.F of Numbers)

LCM and HCF tricks, problems and formulas :

LCM is Least Common Multiple is a number which is multiple of two or more than
two numbers.

For example:

• The common multiples of 3 and 4 are 12, 24 and so on.

• Highest Common Factor (H.C.F.) or Greatest Common Divisor (G.C.D.) or

Greatest Common Measure (G.C.M.) are synonymous terms.

• The H.C.F of two or more than two numbers is the greatest numbers which
divides each of them without any remainder.

Some Important l.c.m. and h.c.f. tricks:

➢ Product of two numbers = Their h.c.f. * Their l.c.m.

➢ H.c.f. of given numbers always divides their l.c.m.

➢ LCM of given fractions = l.c.m. of numerator / h.c.f. of denominator

➢ HCF of given fractions = h.c.f. of numerator / l.c.m. of denominator

➢ If p is prime and a, b are any integer then P / ab, This implies P/a or P/b

➢ If d is the h.c.f. of two positive integer a and b, then there exist unique integer
m and n, such that d = am + bn

Prime Number :

A prime number is a natural number greater than 1 that has no positive divisors other
than 1 and itself.

For example :

2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, etc. are prime numbers.

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Co-Prime Number :

Two numbers are said to be relatively prime, mutually prime, or co-prime to each
other when they have no common factor or the only common positive factor of the two
numbers is 1.

In other words, two numbers are said to be co-primes if their H.C.F. is 1.

Factors :

The numbers are said to be factors of a given number when they exactly divide that
number. Thus, factors of 18 are 1, 2, 3, 6, 9 and 18.

Common Factors :

A common factor of two or more numbers is a number which divides each of them
exactly.

Thus, each of the numbers 2, 4 and 8 is a common factor of 8 and 24.

Multiple :

When a number is exactly divisible by another number, then the former number is
called the multiple of the latter number.
Thus, 45 is a multiple of 1, 3, 5, 9, 15 and 45.

Common Multiple :

A common multiple of two or more numbers is a number which is exactly divisible by

each of them.

For example : 12, 24 and 36 is a common multiple of 3, 4, 6 and 12.

Prime Factorisation :

If a natural number is expressed as the product of prime numbers, then the

factorisation of the number is called its prime factorisation.

A prime factorisation of a natural number can be expressed in the exponential form.

For example :

 24 = 2 x 2 x 2 x 3 = 23 x 3
 420 = 2 x 2 x 3 x 5 x 7 = 22 x 3 x 5 x 7

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Find H.C.F of Given Numbers By Prime Factorization Method :

Follow the steps below to find H.C.F of given numbers by prime factorization method.

1. Express the given numbers as product of their prime factors

2. Check for the common prime factors and find least index of each common prime
factor in the given numbers

3. The product of all common prime factors with the respective least indices is H.C.F
of given numbers

Example :

H.C.F of 12, 36, 48

1. Express the numbers as product of prime factors.

i.e., 12 = 3 * 22 36 = 32 * 22 48 = 3 * 24

2. The common prime factors are 2 and 3 and the corresponding least indices are 2
and 1 respectively

3. The product of all the common prime factors with the respective least indices
H.C.F of 12, 36, 48 = 22 * 3 = 12

Note :
That LCM (n1, n2, n3) × HCF (n1 × n2, n2 × n3, n3 × n1) = n1 × n2 × n3.

L. C. M and H. C. F Solved Problems

1. If the sum of two numbers is 55 and the H.C.F. and L.C.M. of these numbers are 5
and 120 respectively, then find the sum of the reciprocals of the numbers?
Answer : 11/120
Explanation :
Let the numbers be a and b.
Then, a + b = 55 and ab = 5 x 120 = 600.
The required sum = 1/a + 1/b
= a + b/ ab
= 55/600
= 11/120

2. The L.C.M of two numbers is 495 and their H.C.F is 5. If the sum of the numbers is
100, then find their difference?
Answer : 10
Explanation :

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Let the numbers be x and (100 - x).
Then,
x(100 - x) = 5 * 495
x2-100x + 2475 = 0
(x - 55) (x - 45) = 0
x = 55 or x = 45
therefore The numbers are 45 and 55
Required difference = (55 - 45)
= 10

3. Three number are in the ratio of 3 : 4 : 5 and their L.C.M. is 2400. Then Find
H.C.F.?
Answer : 40
Explanation :
Let the numbers be 3x, 4x and 5x.
Then, their L.C.M. = 60x.
So, 60x = 2400 or x = 40.
therefore The numbers are (3 x 40), (4 x 40) and (5 x 40).
Hence, required H.C.F. = 40.

4. Find the G.C.D of 1.08, 0.36 and 0.9?

Answer : 0.18
Explanation :
Given numbers are 1.08 , 0.36 and 0.90
H.C.F of 108, 36 and 90 is 18 [ G.C.D is nothing but H.C.F]
therefore H.C.F of given numbers = 0.18

5. A rectangular courtyard 3.78 meters long 5.25 meters wide is to be paved exactly
with square tiles, all of the same size. what is the largest size of the tile which could be
used for the purpose?
Answer : 21 cm
Explanation :
3.78 meters = 378 cm = 2 × 3 × 3 × 3 × 7
5.25 meters = 525 cm = 5 × 5 × 3 × 7
Hence common factors are 3 and 7
Hence LCM = 3 × 7 = 21
Hence largest size of square tiles that can be paved exactly with square tiles is 21 cm.

6. The H.C.F. and L.C.M. of two numbers are 12 and 5040 respectively If one of the
numbers is 144, find the other number?
Answer : 420
Explanation :
Solve this question by using below formula.
Product of 2 numbers = product of their HCF and LCM
144 * x = 12 * 5040
x = (12 * 5040)/144 = 420

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7. Find the HCF of 2.1, 1.05 and 0.63?
Answer : 0.21
Explanation :
To solve this question quickly, first remove decimal by multiplying each term with
100,
Then terms become 210, 105, 63
Then HCF of above terms is 21,
So Answer is 0.21

8. An electronic device makes a beep after every 60 sec. Another device makes a beep
after every 62 sec. They beeped together at 10 a.m. The time when they will next make
a beep together at the earliest?
Answer : 10:31 a.m
Explanation :
L.C.M. of 60 and 62 seconds is 1860 seconds
1860 / 60 = 31 minutes
They will beep together at 10 : 31 a.m.

9. The ratio of two numbers is 3 : 4 and their H.C.F. is 4. Find their L.C.M.?
Answer : 48
Explanation :
Let the numbers be 3x and 4x. Then, their H.C.F. = x. So, x = 4.
So, the numbers 12 and 16.
L.C.M. of 12 and 16 = 48.

10. Find the largest number of four digits which is exactly divisible by 27, 18, 12, 15 ?
Answer : 9720
Explanation :
LCM of 27, 18, 12, 15 is 540.
After dividing 9999 by 540 we get 279 remainder.
So answer will be 9999 - 279 = 9720

11. Which greatest possible length can be used to measure exactly 15 meter 75 cm, 11
meter 25 cm and 7 meter 65 cm ?
Answer : 45 cm
Explanation :
We need to find out the HCF for given length.
15 meter 75 cm = 1575 cm.
11 meter 25 cm = 1125 cm
7 meter 65 cm = 765 cm.
1575 = 5 * 5 * 3 * 3 * 7
1125 = 5 * 5 * 5 * 3 * 3
765 = 5 * 3 * 3 * 17
HCF of 1575, 1125 and 765 is 45 (5 * 3 * 3)

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12. If the product of two numbers is 2496 and HCF is 8,then Find the ratio of HCF
and LCM ?
Answer : 1: 39
Explanation :
HCF = 8
LCM = Product / HCF
Product of the 2 number = 2496
HCF:LCM = 8 : (2496/8)
=> 8 : 312
=> 1: 39

13. Find the HCF of given fractions ?

4/3, 8/6, 36/63 and 20/42
Answer : 126
Explanation :
HCF of numerator(4, 8, 36, 20) = 4
LCM of denominator(3, 6, 63, 42) = 126

14. Find the least number which when divided by 2, 5, 9 and 12 leaves a remainder 3
but leaves no remainder when same number is divided by 11?
Answer : 1683
Explanation :
LCM(2, 5, 9, 12) = 180
So the number will be somewhat = 180x + 3
This number leaves no remainder when divided by 11, so x = 2 to get (180x+3) fully
divided by 11
So number = 180 * 2 + 3 = 1683

15. Three numbers are in the ratio of 2 : 3 : 4 and their L.C.M. is 240. Find the
H.C.F.?
Answer : 20
Explanation :
Let the numbers be 2x, 3x and 4x
LCM of 2x, 3x and 4x = 12x
12x = 240
x = 240 /12 = 20
H.C.F of 2x, 3x and 4x = x = 20

16. What is the least number which when divided by 5, 6, 7 and 8 leaves a remainder
3, but when divided by 9 leaves no remainder?
Answer : 1683
Explanation :
LCM of 5, 6, 7 and 8 = 840
Hence the number can be written in the form (840k + 3) which is divisible by 9.
If k = 1, number = (840 × 1) + 3 = 843 which is not divisible by 9.
If k = 2, number = (840 × 2) + 3 = 1683 which is divisible by 9.

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Hence 1683 is the least number which when divided by 5, 6, 7 and 8 leaves a
remainder 3, but when divided by 9 leaves no remainder.

17. Two numbers are in the ratio 3 : 4. If their L.C.M. is 96. what is sum of the
numbers?
Answer : 56
Explanation :
Let the numbers be 3x and 4x
LCM of 3x and 4x = 12x (Since LCM of 3 and 4 is 12. Hence LCM of 3x and 4x is 12x)
Given that LCM of 3x and 4x is 96
=> 12x = 96
=> x = 96 / 12 = 8
Sum of the numbers
= 3x + 4x
= 7x
= 7 x 8 = 56

18. The HCF of two numbers is 42 and the other two factors of their LCM are 11 and
12. What is the largest number?
Answer : 462 and 504
Explanation :
HCF of the two numbers = 42
HCF will be always a factor of LCM
42 is factor of LCM
other two factors are 11 & 12
Then the numbers are (42 * 11) and (42 * 12)
= 462 and 504

19. Find the least number which when divided by 26, 36 and 46 leaves the remainders
12, 22 and 32 respectively?
Answer : 10750
Explanation :
The difference between any divisor and the corresponding remainder is 14,
L.C.M of 26,36,46, 14
= 10764 - 14
= 10750

20. The sum of LCM and HCF of two numbers is 712. If LCM is 88 times the HCF,
then the product of the two numbers is?
Answer : 5632
Explanation :
Let L be the LCM, and H the HCF. Then H + L = 712, and L = 88H.
Solving these for H,
we get H = 712 / 88+1 = 8, and L = 704.
The product of the two numbers is equal to the product of the lcm and hcf = 8 × 704 =
5632.

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21. Which is the least number which must be added to 21937 so that it becomes
divisible by 21, 95 and 77?
Answer : 8
Explanation :
The LCM of 21, 95 and 77 = 21945. The lcm when divided by either of these numbers
leaves the remainder 0. The minimum number to be added is 21945 - 21937 = 8

22. What is the HCF of (12 × 17), (17 × 4) and (4 × 12)?

Answer : 4
Explanation :
The required HCF is product of the three numbers divided by their LCM.
The LCM of 12, 17 and 4 is 204.
So the required HCF = (12 * 17 * 4 / 204 ) = 4.

23. The sum of LCM and HCF of two numbers is 112 and LCM is 13 times the HCF.
If one of the two numbers is 104, then the other number is?
Answer : 8
Explanation :
Let L be the LCM, and H the HCF. Then H + L = 112, and L = 13H. Solving these for
H, we get H = 112/ 13+1 = 8, and L = 104. The product of the two numbers is equal to
the product of the lcm and hcf = 8 × 104 = 832. The other number is 832/104 = 8.

24. Find the lowest 4-digit number which when divided by 3, 4 or 5 leaves a remainder
of 2 in each case?
Answer : 1022
Explanation :
Lowest 4-digit number is 1000.
LCM of 3, 4 and 5 is 60.
Dividing 1000 by 60, we get the remainder 40. Thus, the lowest 4-digit number that
exactly divisible by 3, 4 and 5 is 1000 + (60 - 40) = 1020.
Now, add the remainder 2 that's required. Thus, the answer is 1022.

25. Find the greatest number that, while dividing 47, 215 and 365, gives the same
remainder in each case?
Answer : 5
Explanation :
Calculate the differences, taking two numbers at a time as follows:
(215-47) = 168
(365-215) = 150
(365-47) = 318
HCF of 168, 150 and 318 we get 6, which is the greatest number, which while dividing
47, 215 and 365 gives the same remainder in each cases is 5.

26. The wheels revolve round a common horizontal axis. They make 15, 20 and 48
revolutions in a minute respectively. Starting with a certain point on the

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circumference down wards. After what interval of time will they come together in the
same position?
Answer : 60
Explanation :
Time for one revolution = 60/15 = 4
60/ 20 = 3
60/48 = 5/4
LCM of 4, 3, 5/4
LCM of Numerators/HCF of Denominators = 60/1 = 60

27. HCF and LCM of two numbers are 84 and 21. If ratio of two numbers is 1:4. Then
find largest of two numbers?
Answer : 84
Explanation :
Let the numbers be x, 4x
Then x * 4x = 84 * 21
x2 = 84 * 21 /4
x = 21
Largest number is 4 * 21 = 84

28. Three numbers which are co-prime to each other are such that the product of the
first two is 551 and that of the last two is 1073. Then find sum of the three numbers?
Answer : 85
Explanation :
Since the numbers are co-prime, they contain only 1 as the common factor.
Also, the given two products have the middle number in common.
So, middle number = H.C.F. of 551 and 1073 = 29;
First number = 551 / 29 = 19; Third number = 1073 / 29 = 37.
Required sum = (19 + 29 + 37) = 85.

29. Find the L.C.M of (23 x 3 x 52 x 7), (24 x 32 x 5 x 72 x 11) and (2 x 33 x 54) is ?
Answer : 24 x 33 x 54 x 72 x 11
Explanation :
L.C.M = Product of terms with highest powers of 2, 3, 5, 7, 11
∴ L.C.M = (24 x 33 x 54 x 72 x 11)

30. Find the smallest number of five digits exactly divisible by 16, 24, 36 and 54 ?
Answer : 10368
Explanation :
Smallest number of five digits is 10000.
Required number must be divisible by L.C. M. of 16, 24, 36, 54 i.e. 432.
On dividing 10000 by 432 , we get 64 as remainder .
Required number = 10000 + (432 - 64) = 10368.

31. What is the LCM of ( 2 / 3 ) , ( 5 / 6 ) and ( 4 / 9 ) ?

Answer : 20 / 3

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Explanation :
LCM for fractions = LCM of Numerators / HCF of Denominators
LCM of ( 2 / 3 ), ( 5 / 6 ) and ( 4 / 9 ) = LCM ( 2, 5, 4 ) / HCF ( 3, 6, 9 )
= LCM ( 2 * 2 * 5 ) / HCF ( 3 )
= 20 / 3

32. Six bells commence tolling together and toll at intervals of 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12
seconds respectively. In 30 minutes, how many times do they toll together?
Answer : 16 times
Explanation :
L.C.M. of 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 is 120.
The bells will toll together after every 120 seconds.
( ∴ 120 seconds = 2 minutes )
In 30 minutes, they will toll together = ( 30 / 2 ) + 1
= 15 + 1
= 16 times

33. Find the highest common factor of 36 and 84?

Answer : 12
Explanation :
HCF of 36 = 22 * 33
HCF 0f 84 = 22 * 3 * 7
HCF of 36 and 84 = 22 * 3
=2*2*3
= 12

34. L.C.M of two positive number is 495 and their H.C.F is 5. If the sum of the
numbers is 10, then what is the difference between the two numbers ?
Answer : 10
Explanation :
Let, one number is x then the another number is ( 10 - x )
Now, x .( 10 - x) = 5 X 495
or, x² - 10x - 2475 = 0
or, ( x - 55 ) ( x + 45 ) = 0
Therefore, x = 55 or x = -45 [ negative value neglected ]
So, the numbers are 55 and (55 - 10 ) = 45
The required difference is = 55 - 45 = 10

35. The H.C.F of two numbers be 16 and L.C.M 240 . Find the sum of the numbers ?
Answer : 128
Explanation :
H.C.F of two number is 16
So, the numbers are 16a and 16b (Where a and b are co-prime)
Now we know, 16a * 16b = 16 * 240 (i.e product = L.C.M X H.C.F)
therefore, ab = 15
Clearly the co-primes of 15 is 3 and 5

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so, one number is 16 * 3 = 48 and another number is 16 * 5 = 80
Required sum = 80 + 48 = 128

36. Find the H.C.F. of 1.75, 5.6 and 7 ?

Answer : 0.35
Explanation :
Given numbers with two decimal places are : 1.75, 5.60 and 7.00.
Without decimal places, these numbers are : 175, 560 and 700, whose H.C.F. is 35.
H.C.F. of given numbers = 0.35.

37. The sum of two numbers is 216 and their H.C,F. is 27. Then find that numbers?
Answer : (27, 189) and (81, 135)
Explanation :
Let the required numbers be 27a and 27b.
Then, 27a + 27b = 216.
=> a + b = 8. Now, co-primes with sum 8 are (1, 7) and (3, 5).
Required numbers are (27 * 1, 27 * 7) and (27 * 3, 27 * 5)
i.e., (27, 189) and (81, 135)

38. The greatest number which on dividing 1657 and 2037 leaves remainders 6 and 5
respectively then find their H.C.F?
Answer : 127
Explanation :
Required number = H.C.F. of (1657 - 6) and (2037 - 5)
= H.C.F. of 1651 and 2032 = 127.

39. Find the least number which should be added to 2497 so that the sum is exactly
divisible by 5, 6, 4 and 3
Answer : 23
Explanation :
L.C.M. of 5, 6, 4 and 3 = 60.
On dividing 2497 by 60, the remainder is 37.
Number to be added = (60 - 37) = 23.

40. Two numbers are in the ratio of 15:11. If their H.C.F. is 13, find the numbers?
Answer : 195 and 143
Explanation :
Let the required numbers be 15x and 11x.
Then, their H.C.F. is x.
So, x = 13.
The numbers are (15 * 13 and 11 * 13) i.e., 195 and 143.

41. Find the greatest possible length which can be used to measure exactly the lengths
4 m 95 cm, 9 m and 16 m 65 cm?
Answer : 45 cm
Explanation :

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Required length = H.C.F. of 495 cm, 900 cm and 1665 cm.
495 = 3² x 5 x 11, 900 = 2² x 3² x 5², 1665 = 3² x 5 x 37.
H.C.F. = 32 x 5 = 45.
Hence, required length = 45 cm.

42. The traffic lights at three different road crossings change after every 48 sec., 72 sec
and 108 sec.respectively .If they all change simultaneously at 8:20:00 hours,then at
what time they again change?
Answer : 8:27:12 hrs
Explanation :
Interval of change = (L.C.M of 48, 72, 108)sec.=432sec.
So, the lights will agin change simultaneously after every 432 seconds
i.e,7 min.12sec
Hence , next simultaneous change will take place at 8:27:12 hrs.

43. What is the side of the largest possible square brick which can be paved on the
floor of a room 4m 96cm long and 4m 3cm broad?
Answer : 31cm
Explanation :
Converting given measurements into centimeters
4m 96 cm = 400 + 96 = 496 cm
4m 3cm = 400 + 3 = 403 cm
To find the side of the largest possible brick , the side of brick must divide length as
well as breadth exactly.
Using division method
403)496(1
403
___
93) 403 (4
370
____
31) 93 (3
93
___
0
HCF = 31
Side of the largest possible square brick = 31cm

44. The least positive integer which is a perfect square and also divisible by each of
6,12, 18 and 24?
Answer : 144
Explanation :
Perfect Square : A number when written as product of prime factors , if each prime
factor has even number as its power , then the number is perfect square.
Writing the given number as product of prime factors
6=2x3

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 12 = 2³ x 3
18 = 2 x 3²
24= 2³ x 3
LCM = 2³ x 3² = 72
But 72 is not the perfect square. But multiples of 72 are also exactly divisible by given
numbers.
72 x 2 =144 is the perfect square.

45. What is the least number, which when divided by 5,6,8,10 and 12 leaves the
remainder 2 in each case , but when divided by 13 leaves no remainder ?
Answer : 962
Explanation :
LCM of 5,6,8,10 and 12 = 120
But in each case , we have a remainder 2 .So the required number is 120n+2 which is
exactly divisible by 13.
120 n + 2 = 13 x 9 n + 2
So clearly 3n+2 must be divisible by 13.
For n=8, 3n +2 is exactly divisible by 13.
Therefore , the required number = 120n + 2
= 120 x 8 + 2
= 962

46. If the product of two numbers is 84942 and their H.C.F. is 33, find their L.C.M.?
Answer : 2574
Explanation :
HCF * LCM = 84942, because we know
Product of two numbers = Product of HCF and LCM
LCM = 84942/33 = 2574

47. Find the H.C.F of 4 x 27 x 3125, 8 x 9 x 25 x 7 and 16 x 81 x 5 x 11 x 49?

Answer : 180
Explanation :
4 x 27 x 3125 = 22 * 33 * 55
8 x 9 x 25 x 7 = 23 * 32 * 52 * 7
16 x 81 x 5 x 11 x 49 = 24 * 34 * 5 * 72 * 11
H.C.F = 22 * 32 * 5 = 180.

48. The largest measuring cylinder that can accurately fill 3 tanks of capacity 98, 182
and 266 litres each, is of capacity?
Answer : 98, 182 and 266
Explanation :
To know the the measuring cylinder that can fill all the given capacities , they must be
divisible by the required number.
98,182,266 all are divisible by 14
So 14 litres is the largest cylinder that can fill all the given cylinders.
(or)

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The other method is take HCF of all given capacities i.e 98, 182 and 266.

49. L.C.M of two prime numbers x and y (x>y) is 161. Find the value of 3y-x?
Answer : -2
Explanation :
H. C. F of two prime numbers is 1. Product of numbers = 1 x 161 = 161.
Let the numbers be a and b . Then , ab= 161.
Now, co-primes with product 161 are (1, 161) and (7, 23).
Since x and y are prime numbers and x >y ,
we have x = 23 and y = 7.
therefore 3y-x = (3 x 7) - 23 = -2

50. The product of two numbers is 4107. If the H.C.F of these numbers is 37, then find
the greater number?
Answer : 111
Explanation :
Let the numbers be 37a and 37b.
Then , 37a * 37b =4107
ab = 3.
Now co-primes with product 3 are (1, 3)
So, the required numbers are (37 * 1, 37 * 3)
i.e, (37, 111)
therefore Greater number = 111

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