standard_description: Apply properties of operations as strategies to multiply and divide. (Students need not use formal terms for these properties.) ^( )Examples: If 6 × 4 = 24 is known, then 4 × 6 = 24 is also known. (Commutative property of multiplication.) 3 × 5 × 2 can be found by 3 × 5 = 15, then 15 × 2 = 30, or by 5 × 2 = 10, then 3 × 10 = 30. (Associative property of multiplication.) Knowing that 8 × 5 = 40 and 8 × 2 = 16, one can find 8 × 7 as 8 × (5 + 2) = (8 × 5) + (8 × 2) = 40 + 16 = 56. (Distributive property.)
problem_activity: Stage 4: Three Factors
Required Preparation
Materials to Gather
Paper clips
Two-color counters
Materials to Copy
Blackline Masters
Five in a Row Multiplication and Division Stage 4 Gameboard

Narrative
Students multiply using 3 factors of 1–5. Partner A chooses three numbers and places a paper clip on each number. They multiply the numbers and place a counter on the product. Partner B moves one of the paper clips to a different number, multiplies the numbers, and places a counter on the product. Students take turns moving one paper clip, finding the product, and covering it with a counter.
Additional Information
Each group of 2 needs 25 two-color counters and 3 paper clips.


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