How to Use the Associative and Commutative Properties to Multiply
The associative and commutative properties are mathematical properties that allow us to manipulate the order of operations or the grouping of numbers without changing the result.
A Step-by-step Guide to Using the Associative and Commutative Properties to Multiply
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use the associative and commutative properties to multiply numbers:
Step 1: Understand the properties
Familiarize yourself with the associative and commutative properties of multiplication. The commutative property states that the order of numbers in multiplication can be changed, while the associative property allows you to change the grouping of numbers without altering the result.
Step 2: Identify the multiplication expression
Identify the multiplication expression you want to simplify using the properties. For example, let’s use the expression \((2 x 3) x (4 x 5)\).
The Absolute Best Book for 4th Grade Students
Step 3: Apply the associative property
Using the associative property, you can change the grouping of numbers. In this case, you can choose to group the numbers differently. Let’s group them as follows: \((2 x 3) x (4 x 5) = 2 x (3 x 4) x 5\)
Step 4: Apply the commutative property
Using the commutative property, you can change the order of multiplication. In this case, you can rearrange the numbers within each group. Let’s swap 3 and 4 within the parentheses: \(2 x (3 x 4) x 5 = 2 x (4 x 3) x 5\)
A Perfect Book for Grade 4 Math Word Problems!
Step 5: Simplify the expression
Perform the multiplication within the parentheses and evaluate the expression: \(2 x (4 x 3) x 5 = 2 x 12 x 5 = 24 x 5 = 120\)
Step 6: Final result
The simplified expression is equal to 120. Therefore, \((2 x 3) x (4 x 5)\) is equal to 120.
By following these steps, you can effectively use the associative and commutative properties to simplify multiplication expressions. Remember that these properties can be applied in different orders, depending on what makes the calculation easier for you.
The Best Math Books for Elementary Students
Related to This Article
More math articles
- How to Graph Rational Expressions? (+FREE Worksheet!)
- How to Develop Foundational Math Skills for Career Success
- FREE SAT Math Practice Test
- The Ultimate Accuplacer Math Course (+FREE Worksheets)
- How to Prepare for the CHSPE Math Test?
- The Best Calculator for FE Exam
- Top 10 Free Websites for TSI Math Preparation
- How to Graph Exponential Functions?
- Tri-Fractional Operations: How to Add and Subtract Three Fractions with Different Denominators
- What does PSAT Stand for?
What people say about "How to Use the Associative and Commutative Properties to Multiply - Effortless Math: We Help Students Learn to LOVE Mathematics"?
No one replied yet.