The smallest composite number is 4, and the smallest prime number is 2. To find the least common multiple (LCM) of these two numbers, we can use multiple methods, but one of the straightforward ones is to list the multiples of each number and find the smallest multiple they share.
Multiples of 4: 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, …
Multiples of 2: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, …
From the lists above, we see that the first common multiple is 4. Therefore, the LCM of 4 and 2 is 4.
Alternatively, we can calculate the LCM using the formula:
LCM(a, b) = (a * b) / GCD(a, b)
Where GCD is the greatest common divisor. The GCD of 4 and 2 is 2. Applying the formula:
LCM(4, 2) = (4 * 2) / 2 = 8 / 2 = 4.
In conclusion, whether we do it by listing multiples or using the formula, the LCM of the smallest composite number (4) and the smallest prime number (2) is 4.