Multiplication is a way to add numbers together quickly. It’s like a shortcut for adding the same number many times. In this article, we’ll learn how to multiply three numbers and discover something cool called the associative property of multiplication.
Imagine you have three numbers: 2, 3, and 4. You might wonder if it matters which two numbers you multiply first. The great thing about multiplication is that it doesn’t matter! You’ll always get the same answer.
Let’s see how this works:
First Way:
Second Way:
Both ways give us the same answer: 24! This shows that the order we multiply the numbers doesn’t change the result.
The rule that lets us change the order of multiplication without changing the answer is called the associative property of multiplication. This rule says that when you multiply three or more numbers, you can group them in any way, and the answer will be the same.
The word “associative” comes from “association,” which means grouping things together. In math, when we associate numbers, we group them to make multiplying easier. The associative property lets us change these groups without changing the answer.
Knowing about the associative property helps us do math faster, especially with big numbers. It makes it easier to do math in our heads or to solve tricky problems by breaking them into smaller parts.
Imagine you’re buying three toys that cost $2, $3, and $4. You can add the first two prices and then the third, or you can add the last two prices first. No matter how you group them, the total cost will be the same.
The associative property of multiplication is a handy trick that makes multiplying numbers easier. By knowing that the order doesn’t matter, you can solve math problems with more confidence. This rule works not just for whole numbers but also for fractions, decimals, and even algebra, making it an important part of math!
Grouping Game: Gather some small objects like blocks or buttons. Choose three numbers to multiply, such as 2, 3, and 4. Group the objects to represent the numbers (e.g., 2 groups of 3 blocks each). First, multiply the first two groups and then multiply the result by the third number. Now, rearrange the groups and multiply in a different order. Observe how the total number of objects remains the same, demonstrating the associative property.
Story Time Multiplication: Create a short story involving three characters, each with a certain number of items. For example, “Anna has 2 baskets, Ben has 3 apples in each basket, and Clara has 4 friends to share them with.” Ask the children to calculate the total number of apples shared among Clara’s friends using different groupings (e.g., (2 x 3) x 4 and 2 x (3 x 4)). Discuss how the associative property helps in finding the total number of apples regardless of the grouping.
Everyday Observations: Encourage children to notice the associative property in their daily activities. For instance, when setting the table, they can think about how many plates, forks, and spoons are needed. Ask them to calculate the total number of items by grouping them differently and see if the total remains the same. This will help them apply the concept of the associative property in real-life situations.
