Commutative Property

a x b = b x a

Easy

Practice Overview

Description: Understand through dot array visualization that swapping the position of two factors in multiplication keeps the product unchanged. Rotate the array to see why 3×4 equals 4×3.
Estimated Time: 10min
Tags: multiplicationcommutativepropertyarrayvisualizationgrade 4
Access Level: Free

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About This Practice

Why is 3 × 4 equal to 4 × 3? Rotate the array and it becomes obvious: 3 rows of 4 viewed sideways is 4 rows of 3, and not a single dot changed. Rotate the array yourself and watch the commutative property of multiplication at work.

Understand through dot array visualization that swapping the position of two factors in multiplication keeps the product unchanged. Rotate the array to see why 3×4 equals 4×3.

EasyEstimated Time: 10minmultiplicationcommutativepropertyarrayvisualizationgrade 4

How to Play

Count the array: rows and columns, then work out 3 × 4.
Rotate the array a quarter turn and count again.
Compare: did the total number of dots change?
Write the sentence: 3 × 4 = 4 × 3.
Try another pair of factors and check that it always holds.

Learning Objectives

Understand the commutative property: swapping factors keeps the product.
Write the property in letters: a × b = b × a.
Explain why it holds using an array.

Commutative Property

About This Practice

How to Play

Learning Objectives

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