Math Properties

Commutative Property

This property states that you can add or multiply numbers in any order.

When you are only adding or multiplying, you can group any of the numbers together.

For example, (2 + 4) + 6 = 2 + (4 + 6).
Similarly, (3 x 6) x 9 = 3 x (6 x 9).
When adding, look for ways to regroup to get sums that are multiples of 10.
When multiplying, look for ways to regroup to get products that are multiples of 10.

When you’re multiplying a number times a sum, there are 2 ways you can simplify.

You can find the sum first, then multiply. For example, 5 x (4 + 2) = 5 x 6 = 30
You can multiply each number in the sum, then add. For example, 5 x (4 + 2) = (5 x 4) + (5 x 2) = 20 + 10 = 30

Use the properties above to make your work simpler!

1) 14 + 7 + 16 + 23

2) 6 + 21 + 14 + 9

3) 2 x 32 x 10

4) 5 x 12 x 2

5) 8 x 32

6) 4 x 57

7) 4(2 + 3) This is four times two plus three.

8) 5(8+9)