lenny

Flip-Flop Factors: Multiplication Magic!

For Schools

Lesson Plan

Flip-Flop Factors Lesson Plan

Students will understand and apply the commutative property of multiplication, recognizing that changing the order of factors does not change the product. This will help them solve multiplication problems more efficiently and deepen their understanding of number relationships.

Understanding the commutative property makes learning multiplication facts much easier! If you know 3 x 7, you automatically know 7 x 3. This property is a powerful tool for simplifying math problems and building confidence in multiplication.

Audience

3rd Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Through visual arrays, hands-on manipulatives, and guided practice, students will discover and apply the commutative property of multiplication.

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: Array Race

5 minutes

Begin the lesson with the Warm Up: Array Race to activate prior knowledge about arrays and multiplication. Have students quickly draw arrays for a few simple multiplication facts.

Step 2

Introduction: What's the Big Idea?

10 minutes

Use the Slide Deck: Flip-Flop Factors to introduce the commutative property of multiplication. Explain what it means using clear examples with arrays. Emphasize that the order of the numbers (factors) does not change the total (product). Engage students with questions like, "What do you notice when we flip the array?"

Step 3

Activity: Commutative Creations

10 minutes

Distribute counters or small blocks to students. Guide them through the Activity: Commutative Creations.

  • Instruct students to choose a multiplication fact (e.g., 2 x 6).
  • Have them build an array for that fact using their manipulatives.
  • Then, ask them to "flip" their array to show the reverse fact (e.g., 6 x 2).
  • Discuss as a class what they observe: the number of items remains the same, just the arrangement changes.
  • Repeat with 1-2 more examples, encouraging students to explain their observations.

Step 4

Guided Practice / Worksheet Introduction

3 minutes

Briefly review the concept and then introduce the Worksheet: Order Matters (Or Does It?). You can complete one or two problems together as a class or assign it as independent practice or homework. The goal is to reinforce the idea that the order of factors doesn't change the product.

Step 5

Cool Down: Quick Check

2 minutes

Conclude the lesson with the Cool Down: Quick Check to assess student understanding. Ask students to write down an example of the commutative property or answer a quick question about it.

lenny

Slide Deck

Flip-Flop Factors: Multiplication Magic!

Get ready to discover a cool multiplication secret!

Welcome students and introduce the exciting concept of today's lesson. Ask them what they already know about multiplication.

What's an Array Again?

An array shows objects arranged in rows and columns.

It helps us see multiplication facts!

Example: 3 rows of 4 = 3 x 4

Review what an array is and how it represents multiplication. Ask students for examples of arrays they've seen (e.g., egg cartons, window panes).

The Commutative Property!

Big math word, easy idea!

It means you can multiply numbers in ANY order, and the answer (the product) will be the SAME!

Think: Flip-Flop Factors!

Introduce the commutative property simply. Emphasize the idea of 'order doesn't matter' when multiplying.

Let's See It: 3 x 4

Here's an array for 3 x 4:

⬜⬜⬜⬜
⬜⬜⬜⬜
⬜⬜⬜⬜

How many in total? (12)

Now, let's FLIP it! What do you get?

Use a visual example. Draw or project an array for 3x4, then demonstrate how flipping it shows 4x3. Count the total in both to prove they are equal.

Now Flipped: 4 x 3

⬜⬜⬜
⬜⬜⬜
⬜⬜⬜
⬜⬜⬜

How many in total? (Still 12!)

So, 3 x 4 = 12 AND 4 x 3 = 12!

Continue the example from the previous slide, showing the flipped array for 4x3.

Another Example: 2 x 5

If you have 2 x 5, what's the 'flipped' fact?

It's 5 x 2!

And both 2 x 5 and 5 x 2 equal... (10)!

Provide another example to solidify understanding. Ask students to predict the 'flipped' fact.

Why Does This Matter?

The Commutative Property makes learning multiplication facts SO much easier!

If you know 7 x 8, you also know 8 x 7!

It cuts down the facts you need to memorize!

Explain why this property is useful, especially for memorizing facts. Ask students how this might help them.

Your Turn! Commutative Creations!

Get ready to use your counters and create your own flip-flop arrays!

We'll build a fact, then flip it, and see the magic!

Transition to the hands-on activity. Explain that they will be creating their own 'flip-flop' arrays.

lenny

Warm Up

Array Race!

Instructions: Draw an array for each multiplication fact below as quickly as you can!

  1. 3 x 2






  2. 5 x 3






  3. 4 x 1






  4. 2 x 4






lenny
lenny

Activity

Commutative Creations

Materials: Counters or small blocks

Instructions:

  1. Choose a Fact: Pick one multiplication fact from the list below.
  2. Build It: Use your counters to build an array for your chosen fact.
    Example: If you choose 2 x 6, make 2 rows with 6 counters in each row.
  3. Draw It: On a piece of paper, draw your array.
  4. Flip It! Now, rearrange your counters to show the flipped version of your fact.
    Example: For 2 x 6, you would now make 6 rows with 2 counters in each row.
  5. Draw the Flip: Draw this new array next to your first one.
  6. Write It Down: Write both multiplication facts and their product.
    Example: 2 x 6 = 12 and 6 x 2 = 12
  7. Discuss: What do you notice about the total number of counters in both arrays?

Multiplication Facts to Choose From:

  • 3 x 5
  • 4 x 2
  • 6 x 3
  • 5 x 1
  • 2 x 7
  • 4 x 3

My Chosen Fact:


My First Array (original fact):












My Second Array (flipped fact):












My Multiplication Sentences:





What did you notice?






lenny
lenny

Worksheet

Order Matters (Or Does It?)

Name: _________________________

Instructions: Use what you know about the Commutative Property of Multiplication to complete the problems below.

  1. If 3 x 6 = 18, then 6 x 3 = ______



  2. If 5 x 4 = 20, then ______ x ______ = 20



  3. Draw an array for 2 x 5. Then draw an array for 5 x 2.

    2 x 5 Array:






    5 x 2 Array:






    What do you notice about the total in both arrays?






  4. Fill in the missing numbers to show the Commutative Property.

    a) 7 x 3 = 3 x ______




    b) ______ x 9 = 9 x 2




    c) 4 x 8 = ______ x ______



  5. Challenge! Why do you think the Commutative Property is helpful when you are trying to learn your multiplication facts?






lenny
lenny

Cool Down

Quick Check: Flip-Flop Factors

Name: _________________________

  1. In your own words, what does the Commutative Property of Multiplication mean?






  2. Give an example of the Commutative Property using two different multiplication facts.






lenny
lenny