Implementing the least common multiple
In this section, we are going to solve a math problem that asks: what is the smallest positive number that is evenly divisible by all the numbers from 1 to 20?
Ruby really shines when it comes to answering questions such as these. In fact, the entire solution to this problem is shown as follows:
p (1...20).to_a.reduce(:lcm)
In this code, we converted a range of numbers from 1 to 20 into an array. On this array, we called the reduce method and passed the built-in lcm method. The lcm method will get the least common multiple of the value passed to it.
If you execute this code, the answer will be 232792560, which is the right solution.
This code illustrates the power of functional methods and how they can make coding a much easier and more enjoyable experience in Ruby.
