GCF and LCM of 3 and 12
The greatest common factor and least common multiple of 3 and 12.
GCF of 3 and 12
3
LCM of 3 and 12
12
How it works
Break each number into its prime factors:
- 3 = 3
- 12 = 2² × 3
The GCF (3) multiplies the primes both share, at the lowest power each appears. The LCM (12) multiplies every prime that appears in either number, at the highest power — which is also 3 × 12 ÷ 3 = 12.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the GCF of 3 and 12?+
The greatest common factor (GCF) of 3 and 12 is 3 — the largest number that divides both 3 and 12 with no remainder.
What is the LCM of 3 and 12?+
The least common multiple (LCM) of 3 and 12 is 12 — the smallest number that both 3 and 12 divide into. It equals 3 × 12 ÷ GCF = 36 ÷ 3 = 12.