Find the least common multiple. \( 9 x y, 15 y z \) Write your answer as a constant times a product of single variables raised to exponents.
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The Deep Dive
To find the least common multiple (LCM) of \(9xy\) and \(15yz\), we start by determining the prime factorization of each term: - \(9xy = 3^2 \cdot x^1 \cdot y^1\) - \(15yz = 3^1 \cdot 5^1 \cdot y^1 \cdot z^1\) Now, to find the LCM, we take the highest power of each prime factor and variable present in both factorizations: - For \(3\), the highest power is \(3^2\). - For \(5\), the highest power is \(5^1\). - For \(x\), the highest power is \(x^1\). - For \(y\), the highest power is \(y^1\). - For \(z\), the highest power is \(z^1\). Putting it all together, the LCM is: \[ LCM = 3^2 \cdot 5^1 \cdot x^1 \cdot y^1 \cdot z^1 = 9 \cdot 5 \cdot x \cdot y \cdot z = 45xyz \] So, the least common multiple of \(9xy\) and \(15yz\) is \(45xyz\).