lowest common denominator

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lowest common denominator (plural lowest common denominators)

1. (mathematics) The smallest positive integer which is a multiple of every denominator of several fractions.

   The lowest common denominator of ¹⁄₆ and ³⁄₁₀ is 30.

2. (figuratively, derogatory) The most simple or base shared interest or characteristic among a group or collection of people etc.

   Reality TV really is appealing to the lowest common denominator in audiences.

• least common denominator

• lowest common multiple, least common multiple
• greatest common divisor

• lowest common denominator on Wikipedia.Wikipedia