How can knowing associative property help you compute 2x8x2 mentally
4 * 8
or
16 * 2
Definition: The associative property states that you can add or multiply regardless of how the numbers are grouped. By 'grouped' we mean 'how you use parenthesis'. In other words, if you are adding or multiplying it does not matter where you put the parenthesis. Add some parenthesis any where you like!
If you read the definition maybe it will help
The associative property states that when adding or multiplying numbers, it does not matter how the numbers are grouped. In other words, you can change the grouping of numbers and still get the same result.
To compute 2x8x2 mentally using the associative property, you can take advantage of the fact that multiplication is associative. Here's how you can do it:
Step 1: Choose the grouping that makes mental calculation easier. In this case, let's choose to group 2x8 first.
Step 2: Calculate 2x8, which equals 16.
Step 3: Now, you have 16x2 remaining. To simplify this multiplication mentally, you can again use the associative property. Instead of calculating 16x2 directly, you can break it down into 8x2x2.
Step 4: Calculate 8x2, which equals 16.
Step 5: Now, you have 16x2 remaining. Since you already know this is equivalent to 8x2x2, you can simply double the previous result of 16.
Step 6: Double 16, which equals 32.
So, the result of 2x8x2 is 32.
By utilizing the associative property and breaking down the calculation into simpler steps, you can mentally compute the multiplication more easily.