📚 Topic Summary
The associative property of multiplication states that you can group factors in different ways without changing the product. In simpler terms, it doesn't matter which numbers you multiply first; the answer will always be the same. For example, $(2 \times 3) \times 4$ is the same as $2 \times (3 \times 4)$. Both equal 24! This property makes calculations easier and helps us solve problems more efficiently.
🧠 Part A: Vocabulary
Match the term with its definition:
- Term: Associative Property
- Term: Factor
- Term: Product
- Term: Grouping
- Term: Parentheses
- Definition: The answer you get when you multiply numbers.
- Definition: Symbols used to group numbers in an equation.
- Definition: A number that is multiplied by another number.
- Definition: How numbers are arranged within an expression.
- Definition: Changing the arrangement of factors does not change the product.
✏️ Part B: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the sentences using the words from the word bank: product, factors, grouping, associative property, parentheses.
According to the ___________ of multiplication, changing the ___________ of ___________ does not change the ___________. We often use ___________ to show how the numbers are grouped.
🤔 Part C: Critical Thinking
Explain in your own words how the associative property of multiplication can help you solve a math problem more easily. Can you give an example?