Lowest common denominator

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Definitions

Description

In mathematics, the lowest common denominator or least common denominator (abbreviated LCD) is the least common multiple of the denominators of a set of vulgar fractions. It is the smallest positive integer that is a multiple of each denominator in the set. The term has entered popular culture with a different non-mathematical meaning which indicates the least sophisticated element in a particular situation.

'Lowest common denominator' is often used as a figure of speech meaning the most basic, least sophisticated level of taste, sensibility, or opinion among a group of people. The phrase also appears in other places, particularly in engineering, referring to the minimum requirements or common attributes between systems. This can be useful for making different systems compatible, by taking the minimal amount of necessary features, allowing them to communicate or connect. [1]