Grades 3, 4 and 5 - Math - Elementary School - Multiply in Any Order (cumulative property) — Flashcards

When we multiply two numbers together, the two numbers being multiplied can be done in either order, and still give the same answer. This is known as 'cumulative property'. For example, 5 x 4 gives the same result as 4 x 5. This knowledge can be used to answer any questions involving times tables children are unfamiliar with (if they don't know 5 x 7, they may know 7 x 5 for instance). Cumulative property also applies when 3, 4 or any other group of numbers are to be multiplied. The calculation can be done in any order and the answer will be the same.