Evaluating Multiplication Expressions Using Properties

This lesson covers the commutative and associative properties of multiplication, demonstrating how these properties can be used to rearrange and group factors in expressions involving rational numbers. The commutative property allows changing the order of factors, while the associative property allows changing their grouping. The lesson includes a practical example where these properties are applied to simplify and evaluate an expression using mental math, ultimately leading to a final calculation.

What does the commutative property of multiplication allow you to do?

• Add factors together

• Subtract factors from each other

• Change the order of factors without changing the product

• Change the grouping of factors

How can the associative property of multiplication be represented?

• a * b = b * a

• a * (b * c) = (a * b) * c

• a - b = b - a

• a + b = b + a

What is the first step in using the commutative property to evaluate an expression?

• Add all factors together

• Subtract the smallest factor

• Change the order of factors

• Change the grouping of factors

What is the result of multiplying negative 3/5 and 5?

• 0

• 1

• -3

• -1

What is the final product of multiplying -3 by 1/3?

• -3

• 1

• 0

• -1