The commutative property of multiplication states that changing the order of factors in multiplication does not affect the product. The word "commutative" comes from "commute," which means to move around or travel. This property allows us to reorder numbers when multiplying them without changing the result. For example, 5×35 \times 35×3 equals 3×53 \times 53×5, with both expressions yielding 151515.
Multiplication itself is essentially repeated addition, allowing us to simplify calculations. The commutative property applies specifically to addition and multiplication operations but not to subtraction or division. This important distinction helps us understand which mathematical operations allow factors to be rearranged freely. For instance, while 4×7=7×4=284 \times 7 = 7 \times 4 = 284×7=7×4=28, division such as 8÷2=48 ÷ 2 = 48÷2=4 is not the same as 2÷8=0.252 ÷ 8 = 0.252÷8=0.25.
Examples of Commutative Property of Multiplication Example 1: Visual Representation with Brick Arrangements Problem:Show that 4×34 \times 34×3 equals 3×43 \times 43×4 using a physical model.
Step-by-step solution:Step 1, Let's understand what 4×34 \times 34×3 represents:
444 rows with 333 bricks in each row.Step 2, Count the total number of bricks:
Total bricks === Number of rows × Number of bricks in each row Total bricks =4×3=12= 4 \times 3 = 12=4×3=12Step 3, Let's rearrange our bricks to represent 3×43 \times 43×4:
333 rows with 444 bricks in each row.Step 4, Count the total bricks again:
Total bricks === Number of rows ××× Number of bricks in each row Total bricks =3×4=12= 3 \times 4 = 12=3×4=12Step 5, Notice that despite changing the arrangement (the order of multiplication), the total number of bricks remains the same: 121212. This demonstrates the commutative property of multiplication.
Example 2: Real-Life Application with Cost Calculation Problem:Robin wants to buy 333 bars of chocolate. Each bar costs $10\$10$10. How much money does Robin need?
Step-by-step solution:Step 1, Identify what we're calculating: the total cost of multiple identical items.
Method 1: We can calculate this as (Number of chocolates) ××× (Cost of each chocolate). Total cost =3×$10=$30= 3 \times \$10 = \$30=3×$10=$30 Method 2: We can also calculate this as (Cost of each chocolate) ××× (Number of chocolates). Total cost =$10×3=$30= \$10 \times 3 = \$30=$10×3=$30Step 2, Notice that we get the same answer both ways. This real-world example shows that the order of multiplication doesn't change the final result.
Step 3, Remember this property makes calculations easier, especially when working with larger numbers or mental math.
Example 3: Fill in the Blanks Using the Commutative Property Problem:Complete the following equations using the commutative property:
4×5=5×____4 \times 5 = 5 \times \_\_\_\_4×5=5×____ 3×___=6×33 \times \_\_\_ = 6 \times 33×___=6×3 16×2×4=2×____×416 \times 2 \times 4 = 2 \times \_\_\_\_ \times 416×2×4=2×____×4 Step-by-step solution:Step 1, For equation 1:
Since the commutative property states that order doesn't matter in multiplication, if 4×5=204 \times 5 = 204×5=20, then 5×45 \times 45×4 must also equal 202020. Therefore, 4×5=5×44 \times 5 = 5 \times 44×5=5×4Step 2, For equation 2:
Look at the right side: 6×3=186 \times 3 = 186×3=18 For the left side to equal 181818, we need 3×6=183 \times 6 = 183×6=18 Therefore, 3×6=6×33 \times 6 = 6 \times 33×6=6×3Step 3, For equation 3:
Using the commutative property, we can reorder the factors without changing the result If 16×2×4=12816 \times 2 \times 4 = 12816×2×4=128, then 2×16×42 \times 16 \times 42×16×4 must also equal 128128128. Therefore, 16×2×4=2×16×416 \times 2 \times 4 = 2 \times 16 \times 416×2×4=2×16×4Step 4, Key insight: These examples show that you can reorder any set of multiplicands (numbers being multiplied) and still get the same product, which can make calculations much simpler.
Comments(6)CChefHenryNovember 4, 2025This page really helped! I've used the examples to explain the commutative property of multiplication to my students. It's a great resource.MCMs. CarterSeptember 10, 2025I’ve used this page to explain the commutative property to my kids, and the examples really made it click for them! It’s simple but super effective for building math confidence.NNatureLover87August 27, 2025I used this clear definition and examples to explain the commutative property of multiplication to my 3rd grader, and it really clicked for them! The visual examples were super helpful.NNatureLover25August 20, 2025I’ve used this page to help my kids understand the commutative property of multiplication, and the examples made it so simple for them to grasp. Great resource for parents and teachers!MMathMom25August 6, 2025I used this definition to explain multiplication to my 3rd grader, and it really clicked for her! The examples made it super easy to show how order doesn’t matter. Thanks!svg]:px-3 dk:w-auto h-10 dk:h-14 rounded-lg dk:rounded-[15px] px-5 dk:px-7.5 text-sm dk:text-xl text-[#3467FF] bg-white hover:bg-white">Load MoreExplore More TermsBracesComplement of A SetDecimal Representation of Rational NumbersNumber SentenceFactor TreeLattice MultiplicationView All Math TermsRecommended Interactive LessonsWrite Division Equations for Arrays3Math3.OA.A.2Divide by 43Math3.OA.C.7Word Problems: Addition and Subtraction within 1,0003Math3.NBT.A.2Multiply by 73Math3.OA.C.7multi-digit subtraction within 1,000 without regrouping3Math3.NBT.A.2Understand Unit Fractions Using Pizza Models3Math3.NF.A.1, 3.G.A.2View All Interactive LessonsRecommended VideosArea of Composite Figures3Math3.MD.C.7.dEstimate products of multi-digit numbers and one-digit numbers4Math4.NBT.B.5Compare decimals to thousandths5Math5.NBT.A.3bMultiplication Patterns5Math5.NBT.B.5Use Mental Math to Add and Subtract Decimals Smartly5Math5.NBT.B.7Evaluate numerical expressions with exponents in the order of operations6Math6.EE.A.1View All VideosRecommended WorksheetsUse models and the standard algorithm to divide two-digit numbers by one-digit numbers4Math4.NBT.B.6Write and Interpret Numerical Expressions5Math5.OA.A.2Understand Thousandths And Read And Write Decimals To Thousandths5Math5.NBT.A.3aCreate and Interpret Box Plots6Math6.SP.B.4Use Ratios And Rates To Convert Measurement Units6Math6.RP.A.3dWrite Equations In One Variable6Math6.EE.B.6View All WorksheetsRecommended Coloring PagesThree lambs playing with a ball in a grassy fieldPre-K – KAll SubjectsBlack cat sitting on a pumpkin with a full moon in the backgroundK – 1All SubjectsTombstone with a pumpkin laying next to it and autumn leaves around1 – 2All SubjectsRussian Blue Cat sitting on a windowsill looking out1 – 2All SubjectsA piece of fudge with small decorative sprinkles on top1 – 2All SubjectsPrincess with a wand in a ballroom with a chandelier5 – 6All SubjectsView All Coloring PagesRecommended Blogs25 Hilarious Middle School Memes That Every K-6 Teacher Will Relate ToSeptember 17, 2025Funny Math Memes That Make Learning Addition and Subtraction a Blast for K-6 StudentsSeptember 17, 202523 Powerful Proverbs Related to Education That Transform Learning in K-6 ClassroomsSeptember 17, 202550 Heartwarming Kindness Quotes to Transform Your Classroom and HomeSeptember 17, 2025Powerful Graduation Inspirational Quotes to Motivate K-6 Students and FamiliesSeptember 17, 2025School Memes: How Humor Helps Teachers and Kids Navigate the Emotional Ups and Downs of LearningSeptember 17, 2025View All Blog PostsQUICK LINKSAbout UsPrivacy PolicyTerms of ServiceTOOLSHomework HelperGuide DesignerPodcast MakerPlan BuilderRESOURCESMath GlossaryEnglish GlossaryEnglish Language ArtsMathematicsScienceBook InsightsFun with WordsBlog© 2025 EDU.COM. All rights reserved.智能索引记录
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