Properties of multiplication for 3rd-Grade math, in my humble opinion is often times more complex than actually memorizing math facts. The issue ISN'T that the properties of multiplication are MORE CONFUSING, IT IS that teachers fail to give the students what they need to UNDERSTAND the properties.

No, I am not dogging anyone's teaching style. In some cases for example, I have observed that certain teachers may not understand the properties themselves. I'm not lying, I have stumbled across several resources that explained the associative property COMPLETELY WRONG. 

Let me clarify, I am not writing this blog post to talk about teaching styles and will touch on this subject in a later blog post. However, I do want to point out that if you DO NOT UNDERSTAND the concept before you teach, your students will be left in the same boat.

The three most common properties include; commutative, associative, and distributive. Personally, that is also the order in which I teach them. Also, identity and zero property, which are not covered in this material.

Properties of Multiplication Worksheets for 3rd Grade

Below are products I have created to teach each the properties of multiplication. You can read more about each resource at the bottom of this post.

If you aren't interested in reading the post and just wish to go directly to the resources you can click on the pictures below to go to that specific resource.

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.

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.

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.

Properties of Multiplication Worksheets 3rd Grade

You can purchase each resource separately or as a bundle. The bundle contains every worksheet that is included in the single products at a reduced price. Also, each property unit has a set of task cards to use for math centers, etc..

Each resource has a definition and explanation page that breaks the property down in 3rd-grade terminology. Again, each resource comes with a word search that contains common vocabulary needed before introducing the property. For all properties there is also a matching worksheet, great for practicing and reinforcing the properties of multiplication.

The worksheets are designed specifically for 3rd-grade math - classroom or homeschool use. They specifically meet the standard CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.OA.B.5 or 3.OA.B.5.