Use properties of numbers and the commutative and associative laws to simplify calculations
I can use properties of numbers and the commutative and associative laws to simplify calculations.
Use properties of numbers and the commutative and associative laws to simplify calculations
I can use properties of numbers and the commutative and associative laws to simplify calculations.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- By rearranging a calculation it can be made easier to solve mentally
Keywords
Factor - Factors are whole numbers which exactly divide another whole number.
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 may struggle to find factors of a number if they do not have automatic recall of their times tables.
Provide children with a multiplication grid to help pupils understand the process of the calculations, however ensure additional support is in place for children to build towards automatic recall of times tables.
To help you plan your year 5 maths lesson on: Use properties of numbers and the commutative and associative laws to simplify calculations, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 5 maths lesson on: Use properties of numbers and the commutative and associative laws to simplify calculations, 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.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 maths lessons from the Use common factors and multiples to solve calculations efficiently unit, dive into the full secondary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions
4 and 9
2 and 14
5 and 13

Exit quiz
6 Questions

16 × 15
18 × 24
21 × 12
33 × 20