Question: A soil scientist is analyzing soil samples from three different fields, each sampled every 6, 8, and 12 days respectively. After how many days will all three fields be sampled on the same day again for the first time?

Sun, 03 May 2026 20:41:00 +0000

Title: When Will All Three Fields Be Sampled on the Same Day Again? Finding the LCM of Sampling Intervals When managing agricultural research, soil scientists often monitor soil health through regular sampling. A common challenge arises when different plots are sampled on varying schedules—say, every 6, 8, and 12 days. A critical question emerges: After how many days will all three fields be sampled on the same day again? This article explains how to calculate the first day all fields are sampled simultaneously using the least common multiple (LCM). ### Understanding the Sampling Schedule Each field’s sampling interval defines a recurring cycle:
- Field A: every 6 days
- Field B: every 8 days
- Field C: every 12 days