Find the least common multiple of the numbers. \[ 72 \text { and } 168 \] The least common multiple of 72 and 168 is (Type a whole number.)

Step 1 ：We are asked to find the least common multiple (LCM) of 72 and 168.

Step 2 ：The least common multiple (LCM) of two numbers is the smallest number that is a multiple of both numbers.

Step 3 ：To find the LCM of 72 and 168, we can use the formula: \[\text{LCM}(a, b) = \frac{|a \cdot b|}{\text{gcd}(a, b)}\] where gcd(a, b) is the greatest common divisor of a and b.

Step 4 ：First, we find the gcd of 72 and 168, which is 24.

Step 5 ：Then, we substitute the values into the formula: \[\text{LCM}(72, 168) = \frac{|72 \cdot 168|}{24}\]

Step 6 ：Solving the equation gives us the LCM of 72 and 168, which is 504.

Step 7 ：Final Answer: The least common multiple of 72 and 168 is \(\boxed{504}\).