Commutative Property Exploration

Name:

Date:

🔍 Part 1: Understanding the Commutative Property

1. Which pairs of equations show the commutative property? Circle the correct answers.

5 + 3 = 8 and 3 + 5 = 8

7 × 2 = 14 and 2 × 7 = 14

9 - 4 = 5 and 4 - 9 = -5

12 ÷ 3 = 4 and 3 ÷ 12 = 0.25

2. The commutative property means:

The order of numbers can be changed without changing the result

Numbers must stay in the same order

Only addition follows this rule

The result always changes when order changes

3. Which operations follow the commutative property? Check all that apply.

Addition (+)

Subtraction (-)

Multiplication (×)

Division (÷)

✏️ Part 2: Creating Examples

4. Write two addition examples that show the commutative property:

Example 1: _______ + _______ = _______ and _______ + _______ = _______

Example 2: _______ + _______ = _______ and _______ + _______ = _______

5. Write two multiplication examples that show the commutative property:

Example 1: _______ × _______ = _______ and _______ × _______ = _______

Example 2: _______ × _______ = _______ and _______ × _______ = _______

6. Create a subtraction example that shows the commutative property does NOT work:

_______ - _______ = _______ but _______ - _______ = _______

7. Explain in your own words why changing the order of numbers in addition doesn't change the result:

🚀 Part 3: Challenge Questions

8. Extension: Using variables, write the commutative property for addition and multiplication:

Addition: a + b = _______

Multiplication: a × b = _______

9. If 8 × 15 = 120, what does 15 × 8 equal? Explain your reasoning using the commutative property:

10. Think and Discuss: Why do you think subtraction and division don't follow the commutative property? Give an example to support your answer:

Commutative Property Exploration

Commutative Property Exploration

🔍 Part 1: Understanding the Commutative Property

✏️ Part 2: Creating Examples

🚀 Part 3: Challenge Questions

About This Worksheet

Free in Kuraplan

Print-Ready

AI-Generated

For Teachers & Parents

Need a custom version of this worksheet?

More Maths Worksheets

Year 8 Maths Challenge

Year One English & Maths

Coding and Maths Exploration

ALIM Maths Acceleration Agenda

Everyday Money Maths

Year 4 Maths Placement Test

Migration Maths Journey

Functional Skills Maths Revision

Explore more free resources