Associative Property of Multiplication

Explicit Instruction/Teacher modeling

• Remind students that we can group numbers using parentheses.
• Explain: The associative property of multiplication states that an equation will have the same product regardless of how the factors are grouped.
• Write the definition on the board for student reference.
• Give an example, like (2 x 5) x 8 = 2 x (5 x 8). Solve each equation and show the students the product for each is 80.
• Point out that the factors are the same, and in the same order, but they are grouped differently.
• Write a second example on the board, like 3 x (2 x 4) = (3 x 2) x 4. Then solve.
• Summarize: When solving multiplication problems, factors can be grouped in any combination and it will not change the product. This is called the associative property of multiplication.

Guided Practice

• Pair students with a partner.
• Hand out strips of paper, four pieces of macaroni pasta, and glue to each set of partners.
• Have students work with their partner to write an equation with three matching factors on either side of the equal sign (i.e. 4 x 5 x 6 = 4 x 5 x 6) leaving room between numbers.
• Instruct students to use their macaroni as parenthesis and glue them into their equation so that it illustrates the associative property ( i.e. (4 x 5) x 6 = 4 x (5 x 6) )
• Instruct partnerships to solve each side of the equation and discuss their conclusion about the placement of the parentheses.

Independent working time

• Hand out the It’s Associative worksheet.
• Complete the first problem with the class, then instruct students to complete the worksheet independently.
• Circulate as students work and offer support as needed, then review the worksheet as a class.