subject: Multiplication Properties in Mathematics [print this page] Multiplication Properties in Mathematics Multiplication Properties in Mathematics
Multiplication problems are easier to factor with the exploration of the four properties of multiplication.
The name commutative holds definition in the prefix of the word, commute, meaning to move from place to place.The Commutative Property shows how two numbers in a multiplication number will result in the same answer despite the order, 3*2=6 and 2*3=6.
The Commutative Property is used in addition and multiplication as demonstrated in the following example: a+b=b+a and a*b*c=c*b*a.An addition or multiplication problem may cite the Commutative Property, which will simply mean that it is okay to move numbers around.
The Associative Property is named for associating or grouping and is also used in addition and multiplication.The number order within a group of numbers that are multiplied or summed is irrelevant, according to the Associative Property.
An example of the Associative Property is demonstrated as: a(cb)=c(ba) and a+(c+b)=b+(a+c).
Only the order of numbers would be need to be regrouped if a problem asked for rearrangement through the Associative Property.
The product of one with any number is the number that one is being multiplied to, according to the Multiplicative Identity Property.1*5=5 as well as 1*10=10as defined by this property.
The Distributive Property is the more complex of the four properties in that it can be used to factor a set of numbers out. The term distributive comes from the properties use of distribution of multiplication over addition.
This property can be show through an example, such as: a(b+c)=ab+ac, and also as ax+b=a(x+b).
Numbers are factored out into parentheses by distributing multiplication through subtraction as well, 5x-15=5(x-3).Although the definition of the Distributive Property is that multiplication is distributed through addition, the addition of a negative integer can be used as well; essentially this is subtraction.
How and why we certain math rules are used is defined through these four properties of multiplication.Math skills are sharpened and ready for more complex quantitative problems once these essentials of multiplication are understood.
