Multiplication is commutative (3rd grade math)

When we arrange things neatly in rows and columns, it's super easy to see that we can group them in two different ways, and get the SAME answer. In other words, we can multiply in two different "ways", or in either order, but the answer is the same: multiplication is commutative.

This also affects how you THINK about multiplication problems. Which is easier (if you're solving it by repeated addition): 4 × 10 or 10 × 4? Clearly to think of it as four groups of 10 is easier (quicker to add).

See also

Connection between multiplication and division

Math Mammoth Grade 3 curriculum

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