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How about
trying the same thing with some other numbers:
Do we get
the same thing when we multiply them... even if we
switch the order?
Yep.
Sure looks like it!
I want
you to try it now... Go ahead... Pick any
two numbers you want... Multiply them together...
Then, switch the order and multiply them again!
I'll wait...
Did you
get the same thing? You always will. When
something happens like this in math, we make it a
special rule called a "property."
Here's
the property in all letters to get you ready for
Algebra!
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The Commutative
Property of Multiplication:
Where
a
and
b
are any real numbers. |
This rule just says that, when you are doing
multiplication, it doesn't matter which order the
numbers are in. You can multiply
a
and b
OR you can multiply
b and
a
... and you'll get the same answer.
NOTE: This does not work
with division!
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The printing
and distribution and/or downloading of these lessons is strictly
prohibited. |
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