The Commutative Property of Multiplication
The commutative property of multiplication states that the order of the factors (numbers) does not matter the product will be the same.
For example:
5 × 7 = 7 × 5
As you can see, the numbers can move, but the answer will be the same.
The Associative Property of Multiplication
The associative property of multiplication states that the grouping of a multiplication sentence does not matter, the product will be the same. So in other words, the parenthesis can move on each side of the number sentence, but the numbers do not change places.
For example:
3 × (5 × 7) = (3 × 5) × 7
Notice how the parenthesis are what changes the grouping in the multiplication sentence. The product will in fact be the same, and the numbers DO NOT change places.
The Distributive Property of Multiplication
The distributive property of multiplication states that when a number is multiplied by the sum of two numbers, the first can be distributed to both of those and multiplied by each separately, then adding the two products together.
First, we "break-up" one of the factors to make it easier for 3rd-graders to multiply. If a student is given the multiplication sentence 8 × 16, it is much easier for the student to "break up" the factor 16.
For example:
8 × (10 + 6)
Next, the student will distribute the 8 to the addends and write a new equation.
(8 × 10) + (8 × 6)
Last, solve the equation.
80 + 48 = 128
As you can see, "breaking-up" the factor 16 and distributing the 8 to each addend made the problem much easier to solve. A student does not necessarily have to break 16 up into 10 and 6, but it most cases it is the logical way.