Associative and commutative properties of multiplication

A complete lesson looking at the associative and commutative properties of multiplication.

Activities included:

Starter:
A simple grid of times table questions, includes ‘reversals’ (eg 7 times 9 and 9 times 7) to get pupils thinking about the commutative property.

Main:

• Visual examples to get pupils thinking about commutativity of multiplication and non-commutativity of division. Pupils could explore further using arrays or Cuisenaire rods.
• Visual examples to get pupils thinking about associativity of multiplication and non-associativity of division. Pupils could explore further using pictorial representations.
• Three short activities where pupils make use of the commutative and associative properties of multiplication to make calculations. The last provides opportunities for pupils to create their own puzzles.

Plenary:
A maths ‘trick’ that uses the same properties.

Please review if you buy as any feedback is appreciated!