Explain the use of the commutative and associative laws when multiplying three or more numbers
I can explain the use of the commutative and associative laws when multiplying three or more numbers.
Explain the use of the commutative and associative laws when multiplying three or more numbers
I can explain the use of the commutative and associative laws when multiplying three or more numbers.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- You can change the order of the factors or group them in different ways and the product remains the same.
Keywords
Commutative - The commutative law states that you can write the values of a calculation in a different order without changing the calculation; the result is the same. It applies for addition and multiplication.
Associative - The associative law states that it doesn't matter how you group or pair values (i.e. which we calculate first), the result is still the same. It applies for addition and multiplication.
Common misconception
Pupils only ever calculate an equation from left to right.
Ensure pupils are given time to explore where the commutative law might be best used and where the associative law might be better used. Pupils should be expected to reason why they have chosen to adopt a strategy.
To help you plan your year 5 maths lesson on: Explain the use of the commutative and associative laws when multiplying three or more numbers, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 5 maths lesson on: Explain the use of the commutative and associative laws when multiplying three or more numbers, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 2 maths lessons from the Multiply 3 or more numbers (commutative and associative laws) unit, dive into the full secondary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
Multiply different pairs of factors & the product will stay the same.
Changing the order of the factors, the product remains the same.