The lowest common multiple of (LCM) of 60 and 144 is equal to:

To find the lowest common multiple (LCM) of 60 and 144, we start by determining their prime factorization. 60 can be factored into primes as \(2^2 \times 3^1 \times 5^1\) and 144 can be factored as \(2^4 \times 3^2\). The LCM is obtained by taking the highest powers of each prime factor: \(2^4\) (from 144), \(3^2\) (from 144), and \(5^1\) (from 60). Thus, the LCM is \(2^4 \times 3^2 \times 5^1 = 16 \times 9 \times 5 = 720\). So, the LCM of 60 and 144 is 720! Now, for some fun facts: The LCM is not just a number—it's a superhero in number theory! It helps you find common ground in fractions and makes adding them a breeze. You wouldn't want to mix your favorite sodas without knowing they all share the same cups, right? When dealing with LCM calculations, a common mistake is neglecting to find the prime factorization correctly or missing a prime factor entirely. Take your time with the prime factors, and don’t forget to collect the highest powers—your equations will thank you later!