In this lesson you will learn to solve multiplication problems

by using the associative property.

Let’s Review

If a, b and c are rational numbers then a x (b x c) = (a x b) x c

Associative Property of Multiplication

A Common Mistake

Regrouping the factors and rearranging them

If a, b and c are rational numbers does a x b x c = c x b x a?

Core Lesson

Multiply parentheses first

Multiply

Core Lesson

Apply Associative Property

Multiply inside the parentheses

Multiply

Core Lesson

Multiply inside the parentheses

Multiply

Core Lesson

Apply Associative Property

Multiply inside the parentheses

Multiply

Core Lesson

Multiply inside the parentheses

Multiply

Core Lesson

Apply Associative Property

Multiply inside the parentheses

Multiply

Core Lesson

Multiply inside the parentheses

Multiply

Core Lesson

Apply Associative Property

Multiply inside the parentheses

Multiply

Core Lesson

Multiply inside the parentheses

Multiply

Core Lesson

Apply Associative Property

Multiply inside the parentheses

Multiply

Core Lesson

If a, b and c are rational numbers then a x (b x c) = (a x b) x c

Associative Property of Multiplication

In this lesson you have learned to solve multiplication problems by using the associative property.

Guided Practice

1. Using the associative property, solve the following problem:

Guided Practice

2. Using the associative property, solve the following problem:

Extension Activities

With a partner, practice multiplying problems with 3 numbers in them. One person should multiply left to right. The other person can insert parentheses around the last 2 terms and see if they can multiply faster.

Quick Quiz

1. Using the associative property, solve the following problem:

2. Using the associative property, solve the following problem: