If M is the least common multiple of 90, 196, and 300, which of the following is NOT a factor of M?
Rule of Thumb: whenever you see Least Common Multiple (LCM), think of factors and preferebly prime factorization. Every non-prime integer can be factored into only prime numbers. So lets start prime factoring:
[P.S. if you need help in prime factoring tell us]
For easy start, whenever you see an even integer, start with the prime factor 2
90: 3 x 30 --> 3 x 3 x 10 -->
3 x 3 x 2 x 5
196: 2 x 98 --> 2 x 2 x 49 -->
2 x 2 x 7 x 7
300: 2 x 150 --> 2 x 2 x 75 --> 2 x 2 x 3 x 25 -->
2 x 2 x 3 x 5 x 5
LCM of the three number must contain all prime factors of each and every one of the three numbers : 90, 196, and 300
LCM : 2 x 2 x 3 x 3 x 5 x 5 x 7 x 7 = M
A factor of M must contain one or more, but limited to the available ones, of the prime factors of LCM [M]
A. 600 : 2 x 3 x 2 x 5 x 2 x 5 [ uses three 2's --> Not a Factor ]
B. 700 : 2 x 5 x 2 x 5 x 7 [ a factor of M ]
C. 900 : 3 x 3 x 2 x 2 x 5 x 5 [ a factor of M ]
D. 2,100 : 7 x 3 x 2 x 5 x 2 x 5 [ you tell me

]
E. 4,900 : 7 x 7 x 2 x 5 x 2 x 5 [ yes indeedy ]
It is A