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How about
trying the same thing with another set of numbers:
Do we get
the same thing when we multiply them... even if we
group the numbers differently?
Yep.
Sure looks like it!
It's your
turn to try it now... Go ahead... Pick any
three numbers you want... Group them one way and
multiply them together... Then, change the
parenthesis 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 Associative
Property of Multiplication:
Where
a,
b
and
c are any real
numbers. |
Remember that you always do what's in the parenthesis
first! This rule just says that, when you are doing
multiplication, it doesn't matter which numbers you
multiply first. You can multiply the
a
and b
first OR you can multiply the
b
and c
first 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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