When we multiply we are finding ‘lots of’
4 x 6 = 4 lots of 6 6 x 4 = 6 lots of 4
= 24 = 24
6 X 3 = 18
3 X 6 =
6 X 5 = 30
5 X 6 =
3 X 7 = 21
7 X 3 =
Which sums have the same answers?
When a sum can be done in any order we say it is
commutative
It doesn’t matter whether you do the
sum as
6 x 2 OR 2 x 6
You get the same answer
5 x 2 = 10 2 x 5 = 10
3 X 4 = 12
4 X 3 = 12

Multiplication is commutative

  • 1.
    When we multiplywe are finding ‘lots of’ 4 x 6 = 4 lots of 6 6 x 4 = 6 lots of 4 = 24 = 24
  • 2.
    6 X 3= 18 3 X 6 = 6 X 5 = 30 5 X 6 = 3 X 7 = 21 7 X 3 = Which sums have the same answers?
  • 3.
    When a sumcan be done in any order we say it is commutative It doesn’t matter whether you do the sum as 6 x 2 OR 2 x 6 You get the same answer
  • 4.
    5 x 2= 10 2 x 5 = 10 3 X 4 = 12 4 X 3 = 12