GCF and LCM word problems worksheet
A free GCF and LCM word problems worksheet: decide GCF or LCM for each story, then solve 16 problems, with answers.
Download the free GCF and LCM word problems worksheet (PDF)
GCF and LCM word problems worksheet
What’s on the worksheet
22 questions: decide GCF or LCM for 6 short stories, then solve 16 word problems about bags, buses, tiles, ribbons and packs. The key names the method for every answer.
- 22 questions on GCF and LCM word problems, sized for US Letter paper
- 2 pages of questions plus an answer key on the last page
- Written for grade 6, matching Common Core 6.NS.B.4
- Name and date lines at the top, and room to show the work
Sample questions from this worksheet
- Pencils in packs of 6, erasers in packs of 8: GCF or LCM?
- 24 roses and 36 lilies in identical bunches: greatest number of bunches?
- Bus A every 15 minutes, bus B every 20: when together again?
- A 16 by 28 foot room: largest square tile?
- Plates in 8s, napkins in 12s: how many packs of each?
- Is the LCM of 8 and 12 equal to 96? Explain.
Practice GCF and LCM word problems online
Between worksheets, a few minutes on screen keeps the skill fresh:
- GCF or LCM practice: decide which one a story needs.
- word problem practice: 10 fresh stories.
- word problems lesson: clue words and 10 worked examples.
Part A is the most important part of this sheet. If your child gets those right, the rest is arithmetic. If not, spend a day on the clue words before solving more.
Preview the worksheet and answer key
Make a new GCF and LCM word problems worksheet
Need another page for extra practice, a retake or a second group in class? The free Mathify Kids test maker builds a fresh GCF and LCM word problems worksheet with different numbers every time. Choose how many questions, print it with its own answer key, or let your child take it on screen and see the score straight away.
GCF and LCM word problems: a worked example (Hot dogs in 10s, buns in 8s)
- The question wants the same number of each, so it needs the LCM.
- Multiples of 10: 10, 20, 30, 40. Is 40 a multiple of 8? Yes.
- Buy 40 hot dogs (4 packs) and 40 buns (5 packs).
How to use it at home and in class
At home
Before solving, ask: are we splitting things up (GCF) or waiting for things to line up (LCM)? Ten problems a day works better than a whole sheet at once. Mark them together with the answer key, then ask your child to explain one they got wrong: finding the mistake themselves is where the learning happens.
In class
Use the first row as a warm-up, a full page for independent practice, or five questions as an exit ticket. For a retake or a second group, make a new version with the test maker so every child gets different numbers.
Mistakes to watch for
- Using the LCM to share things into equal bags, which needs the GCF.
- Multiplying the two numbers instead of finding the least common multiple.
What to practice before and after GCF and LCM word problems
- Before: common factors. If this sheet is a struggle, go back a step.
- Learn it first: the GCF and LCM word problems lesson and the factors and multiples chart.
More factors & multiples worksheets
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Questions parents ask
How do you know if a word problem needs the GCF or the LCM?
Splitting into the largest equal groups, pieces or squares needs the GCF. Things happening together again, or the smallest amount that matches, needs the LCM.
What grade is this GCF and LCM word problems worksheet for?
It is written for grade 6 and matches Common Core standard 6.NS.B.4.
Can I get a different version of this GCF and LCM word problems worksheet?
Yes. Use the free Mathify Kids test maker to make a new GCF and LCM word problems worksheet with different numbers every time. You choose how many questions, and every version comes with its own answer key.