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What is the Full Form of HCF and LCM?

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Difference Between HCF and LCM with Examples and Formulas

The full forms of HCF and LCM are Highest Common Factor (HCF) and Least Common Multiple (LCM), respectively. These mathematical terms are fundamental in solving problems involving numbers, factors, and multiples. HCF and LCM are frequently used in school mathematics, competitive exams, and real-life applications, making their understanding crucial for students and anyone preparing for tests. In this article, we will cover the detailed meaning, roles, formulas, and significance of HCF and LCM.


Acronym Full Form Main Role
HCF Highest Common Factor Finds the largest number that exactly divides two or more numbers
LCM Least Common Multiple Finds the smallest multiple common to two or more numbers

Impact of HCF and LCM in Mathematics

HCF and LCM are crucial in building strong foundations in maths. These concepts help students solve various problems involving fractions, ratios, and number properties. Mastery of HCF and LCM improves clarity in topics ranging from arithmetic to algebra.


  • Essential for solving simplification and division problems
  • Make calculation of GCD, factors, and multiples easier
  • Frequently used in board and competitive exams

Role of HCF and LCM in Exams & Everyday Life

The HCF and LCM concepts are not just exam topics— they are practical tools in daily life. From finding cycles and schedules to dividing objects into groups, these concepts assist in making accurate calculations.


  • Solving real-world problems like arranging items in groups or sets
  • Scheduling tasks, events, and time intervals using LCM
  • Dividing resources or objects equally using HCF

Relevance of HCF and LCM for Students

Understanding the full forms of HCF and LCM is vital for every student. Not only do these topics appear in maths curriculum, but they are also common in aptitude tests and competitive exams, helping in quick arithmetic calculations.


  • Included in class tests, board exams (CBSE, ICSE, State Boards), and Olympiads
  • Asked in general knowledge and aptitude sections of various exams
  • Builds analytical and problem-solving skills for higher studies

Key Concepts and Formulas

The relationship between HCF and LCM of two numbers (a and b) is given by the formula: HCF × LCM = Product of the numbers (a × b). Remembering this formula saves time in many problems.


  • HCF: Largest number dividing both numbers
  • LCM: Smallest number divisible by both numbers
  • Formula: HCF(a, b) × LCM(a, b) = a × b

Key Role of HCF and LCM

HCF and LCM are essential in maths as they simplify complex calculations in topics like fractions, ratios, and time management. Their understanding is necessary for every student aspiring to excel in school, college, or competitive exams.


Related Resources


Page Summary

In conclusion, HCF (Highest Common Factor) and LCM (Least Common Multiple) are integral mathematical concepts. Their applications in education, competitive exams, and everyday calculations make them essential for all students to master for academic and career success. For comprehensive study materials on maths topics like HCF and LCM, Vedantu offers reliable resources and guidance.


FAQs on What is the Full Form of HCF and LCM?

1. What is the full form of HCF and LCM in maths?

HCF stands for Highest Common Factor, and LCM stands for Least Common Multiple. These are fundamental concepts in number theory, crucial for simplifying fractions and solving various mathematical problems.

2. How do HCF and LCM differ with an example?

The HCF is the largest number that divides both given numbers without leaving a remainder. The LCM is the smallest number that is a multiple of both given numbers. For example, let's consider 12 and 18. The HCF of 12 and 18 is 6, and the LCM is 36.

3. Which formula helps find HCF and LCM easily?

There isn't one single formula, but the most common method involves prime factorization. Find the prime factors of each number, identify common factors for HCF, and combine them to find the LCM.

4. Can you explain HCF and LCM for class 10?

At the class 10 level, HCF and LCM are used extensively in simplifying fractions, solving problems involving ratios and proportions, and are fundamental to understanding number theory. You'll also likely encounter applications in algebra and geometry.

5. What is the HCF of 24 and 36 and how is it calculated?

The HCF of 24 and 36 is 12. You can find this using prime factorization: 24 = 2 x 2 x 2 x 3 and 36 = 2 x 2 x 3 x 3. The common factors are 2 x 2 x 3 = 12.

6. Are HCF and LCM used in daily life or just exams?

While often encountered in exams, HCF and LCM have practical applications. For example, determining the appropriate size of tiles to cover a floor (LCM) or dividing a number of items equally among groups (HCF).

7. What is the difference between HCF and LCM?

The HCF (Highest Common Factor) is the largest number that divides both numbers exactly, while the LCM (Least Common Multiple) is the smallest number that is a multiple of both numbers. They are inversely related; as one increases, the other decreases.

8. How to find the HCF and LCM of three or more numbers?

The process extends similarly to three or more numbers. Use prime factorization for each number. The HCF is the product of the lowest powers of common prime factors. The LCM is the product of the highest powers of all prime factors present in the numbers.

9. What are some real-life examples of HCF and LCM?

Real-life applications include dividing items into equal groups (HCF) like sharing chocolates among friends. LCM is useful in situations needing synchronization like scheduling buses or determining the least common interval of repeating events.

10. What are some quick tricks to solve HCF and LCM problems?

Practice prime factorization efficiently. Learn to quickly identify common factors. For smaller numbers, you can sometimes find HCF and LCM by inspection or listing out multiples and factors. Understanding divisibility rules also speeds up calculations.

11. What is the relationship between HCF and LCM of two numbers?

For any two numbers 'a' and 'b', the product of their HCF and LCM is equal to the product of the two numbers. This relationship provides a shortcut for calculating one if the other is known: HCF(a,b) x LCM(a,b) = a x b