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Finding GCF and LCM with Venn Diagrams
Description:
Students will learn to find the Least Common Multiple (LCM) and the Greatest Common Factor (GCF) by using factor trees and a Venn diagram.
Activity:
  • Review with students how to factor numbers using a factor tree.
  • Review how to fill in a Venn diagram. You can do up to 3 numbers. Start with two. Label each circle with one of the numbers. Explain that any factor shared will go in the overlapping area. To check their work, each circle will contain the prime factors of the number that they are factoring.
  • When they have completed a few factor trees correctly, give them two numbers that they need to find the GCF and LCM.
  • Once they have found the prime factors of each number help them fill in the Venn diagram.
  • Explain that the number(s) that appear in the center of the Venn diagram represent the GCF. To find the LCM they need to multiply all the numbers in the Venn diagram.
Materials:
Pencil, Paper
  • Example of Venn Diagram.doc
  • Assessment:
    Students will hand in a completed Venn diagram finding the GCF and LCM of numbers they choose.
  • GCF and LCM Venn Diagram
  • Duration:
    Usually takes two days of class time (42-minute class periods).
    Reflections and Feedback:
    Most students liked using the Venn diagram method to find GCF and LCM.
    Grade Level(s): 7
    Related Standards:
    Bullet MST3.07.RE5.01 Students use physical objects, drawings, charts, tables, graphs, symbols, equations, or objects created using technology as representations.
     
    Bullet MST3.07.NO6.08 Students find the common factors and greatest common factor of two or more numbers.
     
    Bullet MST3.07.NO6.09 Students determine multiples and least common multiple of two or more numbers.
     

    Submitted By:
    Jenny Herrick, Educator
    St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES
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