GCF and LCM of 48 and 72
The greatest common factor and least common multiple of 48 and 72.
GCF of 48 and 72
24
LCM of 48 and 72
144
How it works
Break each number into its prime factors:
- 48 = 2⁴ × 3
- 72 = 2³ × 3²
The GCF (24) multiplies the primes both share, at the lowest power each appears. The LCM (144) multiplies every prime that appears in either number, at the highest power — which is also 48 × 72 ÷ 24 = 144.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the GCF of 48 and 72?+
The greatest common factor (GCF) of 48 and 72 is 24 — the largest number that divides both 48 and 72 with no remainder.
What is the LCM of 48 and 72?+
The least common multiple (LCM) of 48 and 72 is 144 — the smallest number that both 48 and 72 divide into. It equals 48 × 72 ÷ GCF = 3456 ÷ 24 = 144.