Properties of Multiplication

  
This week in math we will be learning about the different properties of multiplication.  The definition for each property was provided in class.  This is the notes taken for this week.

Commutative Property: The factors can be multiplied in any order and the product will stay the same.
EX: 4 x 5 = 20 5 x 4 = 20 So, 4 x 5 = 5 x 4

Associative Property: The way in which three numbers are grouped when they are being multiplied doesn't change the product.
EX: 2 (4 x 5)= 40 4 (5 x 2)= 40 So, 2 (4 x 5)= 4 (5 x 2)

Distributive Property: Multiply a sum by multiplying each added separately and then add the products.

In other words: BREAK IT UP (Break the second factor up into smaller digits.)

EX: 4 x 5 = 20 4 x 2 =8 4 x 3 = 12 8 + 12 = 20


The Commutative Property of Multiplication:

a x b = b x a

Where a and b are any real numbers.

This rule just says that, when you are doing multiplication, it doesn't matter which order the numbers are in. You can multiply a and b OR you can multiply b and a ... and you'll get the same answer.

NOTE: This does not work with division!

Distributive Property of Multiplication:

Associative Property of Multiplication: