Commutative Multiplication · seed 1 · A4, ink-friendly. The answer key prints on its own page for grown-ups.

Same Answer, Switched Around

Mathematics · Multiplication & Division · ages 6-7
Name ______________________   Date ____________

  1. True or false: 4 × 6 gives the same answer as 6 × 4.

    Circle one:   True   False

  2. You know that 3 × 5 = 15. What is 5 × 3?

    • 15
    • 8
    • 18
    • 20

  3. Which of these is true?

    • 3 × 5 = 5 × 3
    • 3 × 5 is bigger than 5 × 3
    • 3 × 5 cannot be switched around

  4. 12 ÷ 3 gives the same answer as 3 ÷ 12.

    Circle one:   True   False

  5. True or false: an array with 4 rows and 5 columns has the same number of dots as an array with 5 rows and 4 columns.

    Circle one:   True   False

  6. Which pair does NOT give the same answer both ways round?

    • 4 × 9 and 9 × 4
    • 10 ÷ 2 and 2 ÷ 10
    • 3 × 8 and 8 × 3

  7. You need to work out 2 × 9. Which is easier to think of instead, using the switch-around rule?

    • 9 × 2
    • 2 − 9
    • 9 ÷ 2

  8. You need to find 8 × 2. Using the commutative property, you can flip it to 2 × 8 to count faster. What is 2 × 8?

    • 16
    • 10
    • 18
    • 20

  9. Leo says: '9 ÷ 3 and 3 ÷ 9 both equal 3, just like multiplication can switch around.' What is wrong with what Leo said?

    • Nothing, Leo is right
    • 9 ÷ 3 = 3, but 3 ÷ 9 is not 3
    • 9 ÷ 3 and 3 ÷ 9 both equal 9

  10. To find 9 × 2, it is easier to think of it as 2 × 9 and count by 9s two times. What is 2 × 9?

    • 18
    • 11
    • 20
    • 16
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Answer key

For grown-ups. Fold this page away before handing over the rest.

Same Answer, Switched Around W1-mt_C9ZfT-4cgn-s1

  1. True · Both number sentences use the same two numbers, just in a different order, so they match.
  2. 15 · Swapping the order of the two numbers you multiply does not change the answer.
  3. 3 × 5 = 5 × 3 · Multiplication gives the same answer no matter which order you multiply in.
  4. False · 12 ÷ 3 = 4, but 3 ÷ 12 is a tiny fraction, not 4. Order matters for division.
  5. True · Turning an array on its side swaps rows and columns but keeps the same total.
  6. 10 ÷ 2 and 2 ÷ 10 · 10 ÷ 2 = 5, but 2 ÷ 10 is not 5. Division breaks the switch-around rule that multiplication follows.
  7. 9 × 2 · 2 × 9 and 9 × 2 give the same answer, 18, so you can pick whichever is easier to picture.
  8. 16 · Flipping to 2 × 8 lets you count by 2s, which is quicker than counting by 8s.
  9. 9 ÷ 3 = 3, but 3 ÷ 9 is not 3 · Leo mixed up multiplication's switch-around rule with division. 9 ÷ 3 = 3, but 3 ÷ 9 is much smaller than 3.
  10. 18 · Choosing the friendlier order makes mental math faster without changing the answer.
Worksheet · LightMySky