Find Common Multiples (1153)

Teaching Notes

Teach students to list multiples of the larger number first, then check if the smaller number divides into them.

Vocabulary

Multiple: Product of a number and an integer.

Common: Shared by two or more.

Common Mistakes

• Multiplying the two numbers and thinking that's the only common multiple
• Confusing factors and multiples
• Arithmetic errors
• Confusing multiples with factors
• Missing the first multiples
• Stopping too early

Differentiation

Discussion Questions

• Is the product of two numbers always a common multiple? (Yes)
• Is it always the smallest common multiple? (No, e.g., 4 and 6)
• What is a multiple of a number?
• How do you find common multiples?
• When are common multiples useful?
• Are there always common multiples for any two numbers?

Extension Activities

• Find common multiples of three numbers (e.g., 2, 3, and 4).
• Word problems involving repeating cycles (e.g., lights flashing).

Parent Tip

Have your child find common multiples using coins (e.g., nickels and dimes).

Skill Cluster

Number Sense

Estimated Time

15 minutes

Skills Practiced

Prerequisites

• 1142
• Multiplication facts
• Identifying multiples

Next Steps

• Least Common Multiple (LCM)
• Finding common denominators
• Least Common Multiple
• Multiplication Fact Fluency
• Identifying Multiples