Five pages on the number properties, each shown with a model first. Page 1 is the order property: students write a multiplication fact for an array, turn it, and write the new fact (3 × 5 and 5 × 3), then do the same with two-color cube trains for addition, with a worked example first. Page 2 is the grouping property: tiles in equal groups show (2 × 5) × 3 and 2 × (5 × 3), then students find both sides of four problems like (7 + 3) + 6 and 7 + (3 + 6) and circle the easier way. Page 3 is the identity property, with plates of cookies for × 1 and baskets of apples for + 0, then twelve equations to finish. Page 4 asks students to write O, G or I for twelve equations and to fill in six missing numbers. Page 5 uses the properties in three word problems, six mental math problems such as 5 × 7 × 2, and four true or false equations.
Before page 1, have students build an array of 3 rows of 5 with counters on a sheet of paper, then turn the paper a quarter turn: it is now 5 rows of 3, and nothing was added or taken away. For page 2, build (2 × 5) × 3 with linking cubes in three groups, then regroup the same cubes into two groups. The O, G and I key on page 4 makes a good anchor chart.
Line up snacks in rows, like 2 rows of 6 crackers, and turn the plate: is it still the same number? Ask your child for a quick way to find 5 × 9 × 2 or 8 + 7 + 2 in their head, by finding the pair that makes 10 first.
This pack supports the following Common Core State Standards for Mathematics:
© Copyright 2010. National Governors Association Center for Best Practices and Council of Chief State School Officers. All rights reserved.
A 5-page properties of operations pack for 3rd grade. Turn arrays and cube trains to see the order property (3 × 5 = 5 × 3), group tiles two ways to see the grouping property and circle the easier grouping, use plates of cookies and baskets of apples for the identity property (adding 0 and multiplying by 1), name the property in twelve equations, write missing numbers, and use the properties to solve word problems and mental math. Every page comes in color and in black and white. Answer keys included.
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