Multiplication Order Doesn't Matter! (Commutative Property)

Mathematics Grades 4th Grade 4:32 Video
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Lesson Description

Learn about the commutative property of multiplication, which means the order of the numbers you multiply doesn't change the answer! Discover this concept using fun visuals and number lines.

Video Resource

Order when multiplying commutative property of multiplication

Khan Academy

Duration: 4:32
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Multiplication
  • Commutative Property of Multiplication
  • Arrays
  • Number Lines

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to define the commutative property of multiplication.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate that changing the order of factors in a multiplication problem does not change the product.
  • Students will be able to solve multiplication problems using arrays and number lines to visualize the commutative property.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students if they think the order of numbers matters when multiplying. Show them a simple example like 2 x 3 and 3 x 2 and ask for their initial thoughts. Introduce the video from Khan Academy.
  • Video Viewing (7 mins)
    Play the Khan Academy video: 'Order when multiplying commutative property of multiplication.' Encourage students to pay attention to the visuals (angry cats!) and the number line examples.
  • Discussion (5 mins)
    After the video, facilitate a class discussion using the discussion questions provided.
  • Interactive Exercise: Array Creation (10 mins)
    Divide students into small groups. Give each group counters or small objects. Assign each group several multiplication problems (e.g., 2 x 5, 5 x 2, 3 x 4, 4 x 3). Have them create arrays to represent each problem and its commutative counterpart. They should then record their findings on paper.
  • Interactive Exercise: Number Line Jumps (10 mins)
    Draw a large number line on the board. Give students different multiplication problems. Have them demonstrate the commutative property using jumps on the number line (e.g., for 2 x 4, make 4 jumps of 2; then for 4 x 2, make 2 jumps of 4). Discuss how they both land on the same number.
  • Assessment (8 mins)
    Distribute the multiple choice and fill in the blank quizzes to assess student understanding.

Interactive Exercises

  • Array Creation
    Students create arrays with counters to represent multiplication problems and their commutative counterparts, demonstrating that the total number of counters remains the same.
  • Number Line Jumps
    Students use number line jumps to visualize multiplication and see that changing the order of the factors results in the same ending point.

Discussion Questions

  • What is the commutative property in your own words?
  • Can you think of a real-world example where the order of multiplication doesn't matter?
  • How can using arrays or number lines help you understand the commutative property?

Skills Developed

  • Multiplication fluency
  • Visual representation of math concepts
  • Problem-solving
  • Critical thinking

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What does the commutative property of multiplication say?

Correct Answer: The order of numbers you multiply doesn't change the answer.

Question 2:

Which of these number sentences shows the commutative property?

Correct Answer: 6 x 2 = 2 x 6

Question 3:

Which equation is the same as 3 x 5?

Correct Answer: All of the above

Question 4:

If 4 x 6 = 24, what is 6 x 4?

Correct Answer: 24

Question 5:

Which picture best shows 2 x 3?

Correct Answer: Two groups of 3 stars.

Question 6:

Which expression is equal to 7 x 2?

Correct Answer: 2 x 7

Question 7:

Which equation is NOT an example of the commutative property?

Correct Answer: 6 x 3 = 6 + 3

Question 8:

If you know 8 x 5, what other multiplication problem do you also know?

Correct Answer: 5 x 8

Question 9:

What is another way to write 10 x 2?

Correct Answer: 2 x 10

Question 10:

Sally has 4 boxes with 3 cookies in each box. How many cookies does she have in total using commutative property?

Correct Answer: 12

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The commutative property says that the _______ of the numbers doesn't change the answer when you multiply.

Correct Answer: order

Question 2:

5 x 4 is the same as 4 x _______.

Correct Answer: 5

Question 3:

When you use a number line to show 3 x 2, you make 2 jumps of _______.

Correct Answer: 3

Question 4:

An _______ is a way to show multiplication using rows and columns.

Correct Answer: array

Question 5:

The commutative property is sometimes called the 'order _______' property.

Correct Answer: doesn't matter

Question 6:

If 6 x 2 = 12, then 2 x 6 = _______.

Correct Answer: 12

Question 7:

Changing the order of the numbers only works when you _______.

Correct Answer: multiply

Question 8:

3 x 7 = ______ x 3

Correct Answer: 7

Question 9:

You can use ______ and _______ to visualize the commutative property.

Correct Answer: arrays, number lines

Question 10:

1 x 9 = 9 x _______

Correct Answer: 1

Educational Standards

4.N.2.1:Demonstrate fluency with multiplication and division facts with factors up to 12. 4.A.2.1:Use the relationships between multiplication and division with the properties of multiplication to solve problems and find values for variables that make number sentences true.

Teaching Materials

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