Multiples of a number can be written out in ascending order:
the multiples of 12 are 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, ...
which is the times table for that number.
Multiples of one number can be shared by another. The first 6 multiples of 10 are:
10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 and
the first 6 multiples of 15 are:
15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90.
Common multiples are 30 and 60 as they appear in both lists. These multiples will then recur at the same interval.
What are the first 5 multiples of 20?
Add 20 to 20; then add further 20s to the answer until there are 5 numbers.
Answer: 20, 40, 60, 80, 100
What are the common multiples shared by the first 6 multiples of 12 and of 16?
12 has multiples of: 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72
16 has multiples of: 16, 32, 48 ,64, 80, 76
Only 48 is shared in the first 6 multiples.
Answer: 48
See also Generating Terms