LOWEST COMMON DENOMINATOR Definition & Meaning

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lowest common denominator

noun

Mathematics.

least common denominator.

lowest common denominator

noun

the smallest integer or polynomial that is exactly divisible by each denominator of a set of fractions AbbreviationLCDlcd Also calledleast common denominator

lowest common denominator

/ ��ō′ĭ�� /

The least common multiple of the denominators of a set of fractions. For example, the lowest common denominator of 1 3 and 3 4 is 12.

lowest common denominator

The smallest number that can be divided evenly into two other numbers ( see common denominator ). When fractions with different denominators are added together, their denominators have to be made the same; thus, fractions with denominators of nine and twelve have thirty-six as a lowest common denominator. Seventy-two and 108 are also common denominators for fractions with denominators of nine and twelve, but thirty-six is the lowest.

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Notes

The term lowest common denominator is often used to indicate a lowering of quality resulting from a desire to find common ground for many people: “This fall's TV programming finds the lowest common denominator of taste.”

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of lowest common denominator¹

First recorded in 1935–40

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

If we regard Matt’s promise to Mill to play to the lowest common denominator as a Faustian bargain, it’s not one that seems to have any long-term consequences, only scrambling in the moment to keep his job and a modicum of self-respect.

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“Elderly female action star” is a cute premise, but Margolin makes the most of it without infantilizing his heroine or otherwise resorting to lowest common denominator humor.

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His brand of toiletry involves writing stories for the absolutely lowest common denominator of homo sapiens.

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“He was just angry because he knew it could be better. He had no patience for people who were phoning it in or reaching for the lowest common denominator.”

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When prison officials use bad behavior from a few as an excuse to take away technology access more broadly, they’re generalizing malicious intent and governing from the lowest common denominator.

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