Explain how to use the associative law to multiply efficiently
I can explain how to use factorisation and the associative law to multiply efficiently.
Explain how to use the associative law to multiply efficiently
I can explain how to use factorisation and the associative law to multiply efficiently.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Multiplication can be simplified by factorising one of the factors.
- Look at the factors to identify which are composite numbers.
- Composite numbers can be factorised.
- Multiplication is commutative.
- Factors can be grouped in different ways and the product remains the same.
Keywords
Associative law - The associative law states that it doesn't matter how you group or pair values (i.e. which we calculate first), the result is still the same. It applies for addition and multiplication.
Composite number - A composite number is an integer with more than two factors. All integers greater than 1 are either composite or prime.
Common misconception
Pupils can identify factors of a 2-digit number but do not consider efficiency when multiplying.
Draw attention to factor pairs and those which result in easier calculations e.g. pupils often find multiplying by 4 or 5 easier than 7, or can apply doubling when multiplying by 2
To help you plan your year 6 maths lesson on: Explain how to use the associative law to multiply efficiently, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 6 maths lesson on: Explain how to use the associative law to multiply efficiently, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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Explore more key stage 2 maths lessons from the Multiplying and dividing by 2-digit numbers unit, dive into the full secondary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
