HCF and LCM are highest and lowest common factors and multiples. Every positive integer can be written as product of prime factors. Prime factor decomposition helps calculate HCF and LCM
LCM is the smallest number divisible by all numbers being considered. LCM is used to find lowest common multiple and denominator
HCF is the largest number that divides exactly into both numbers. LCM is the smallest number that divides exactly into both numbers. HCF is also known as Greatest Common Divisor (GCD)
Multiples are products obtained when one number is multiplied by another. Every number is a multiple of itself. Multiples of a number are infinite. Multiples are greater than or equal to the number except for zero
HCF is the largest number that divides two or more numbers without remainder. LCM is the smallest number among common multiples of given numbers. HCF and LCM are related by formula: HCF × LCM = a × b
LCM is the smallest number that is divisible by two or more numbers. LCM cannot be less than any number except 0. LCM can be calculated for two or more numbers using three methods