distributive property homework 3rd grade

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Distributive property

Here you will learn about the distributive property, including what it is, and how to use it to solve problems.

Students will first learn about the distributive property as part of operations and algebraic thinking in 3rd grade.

What is the distributive property?

The distributive property states that multiplying the sum of two or more numbers is the same as multiplying the addends separately.

For example,

When multiplying 2 \times 8, you can break 8 up into 2 + 6.

The distributive property says that you can multiply the parts separately and then add the products together.

Any way you solve the equivalent expressions, the product is the same.

For most expressions, there is more than one way to use the distributive property. 

When multiplying 2 \times 8, you can break 8 up into 5 + 3.

[FREE] Distributive Property Worksheet (Grade 1 to 3)

Use this worksheet to check your grade 1 to 3 students’ understanding of the distributive property. 15 questions with answers to identify areas of strength and support!

Common Core State Standards

How does this relate to 3rd grade math?

• Grade 3 – Operations and Algebraic Thinking (3.OA.B.5) Apply properties of operations as strategies to multiply and divide. Examples: If 6 \times 4 = 24 is known, then 4 \times 6 = 24 is also known. (Commutative property of multiplication.) 3 \times 5 \times 2 can be found by 3 \times 5 = 15, then 15 \times 2 = 30, or by 5 \times 2 = 10, then 3 \times 10 = 30. (Associative property of multiplication.) Knowing that 8 \times 5 = 40 and 8 \times 2 = 16, one can find 8 \times 7 as 8 \times (5 + 2) = (8 \times 5) + (8 \times 2) = 40 + 16 = 56. (Distributive property.)

How to use the distributive property

In order to use the distributive property:

Identify an equation multiplying two numbers.

Show one of the numbers being multiplied as a sum of numbers.

Multiply each number in the sum.

Add the partial products together to find the final product.

Distributive property examples

Example 1: distributive property with basic facts.

Show how to solve 3 \times 5 using the distributive property.

You can use the distributive property with 3 \times 5, since it is multiplication.

2 Show one of the numbers being multiplied as a sum of numbers.

Either number can be used, but for this example let’s break up 5 into 4 + 1.

3 \times 5=3 \times(4+1)

3 Multiply each number in the sum.

\begin{aligned} & 3 \times(4+1) \\\\ & =(3 \times 4)+(3 \times 1) \\\\ & =12+3 \end{aligned}

4 Add the partial products together to find the final product.

12 + 3 = 15

3 \times 5=15 can be solved using the distributive property.

Example 2: distributive property with basic facts

Show how to solve 12 \times 9 using the distributive property.

You can use the distributive property with 12 \times 9, since it is multiplication.

Either number can be used, but for this example let’s break up 9 into 3 + 3 + 3.

12 \times 9=12 \times(3+3+3)

\begin{aligned} & 12 \times(3+3+3) \\\\ & =(12 \times 3)+(12 \times 3)+(12 \times 3) \\\\ & =36+36+36 \end{aligned}

36 + 36 + 36 = 108

12 \times 9=108 can be solved using the distributive property.

Example 3: distributive property with basic facts

Show how to solve 7 \times 6 using the distributive property.

You can use the distributive property with 7 \times 6, since it is multiplication.

Either number can be used, but for this example let’s break up 7 into 4 + 3.

7 \times 6=(4+3) \times 6

\begin{aligned} & (4+3) \times 6 \\\\ & =(4 \times 6)+(3 \times 6) \\\\ & =24+18 \end{aligned}

24 + 18 = 42

7 \times 6=42 can be solved using the distributive property.

Example 4: distributive property with basic facts

Show how to solve 4 \times 11 using the distributive property.

You can use the distributive property with 4 \times 11, since it is multiplication.

Either number can be used, but for this example let’s break up 11 into 10 + 1.

4 \times 11=4 \times(10+1)

\begin{aligned} & 4 \times(10+1) \\\\ & =(4 \times 10)+(4 \times 1) \\\\ & =40+4 \end{aligned}

40 + 4 = 44

4 \times 11=44 can be solved using the distributive property.

Example 5: distributive property with basic facts

Show how to solve 8 \times 5 using the distributive property.

You can use the distributive property with 8 \times 5, since it is multiplication.

Either number can be used, but for this example let’s break up 8 into 2 + 6.

8 \times 5=(2+6) \times 5

\begin{aligned} & (2+6) \times 5 \\\\ & =(2 \times 5)+(6 \times 5) \\\\ & =10+30 \end{aligned}

10 + 30 = 40

8 \times 5=40 can be solved using the distributive property.

Example 6: distributive property with basic facts

Show how to solve 3 \times 12 using the distributive property.

You can use the distributive property with 3 \times 12, since it is multiplication.

Either number can be used, but for this example let’s break up 12 into 1 + 1 + 10.

3 \times 12=3 \times(1+1+10)

\begin{aligned} & 3 \times(1+1+10) \\\\ & =(3 \times 1)+(3 \times 1)+(3 \times 10) \\\\ & =3+3+30 \end{aligned}

3 + 3 + 30 = 36

3 \times 12=36 can be solved using the distributive property.

Teaching tips for the distributive property

• Intentionally choose practice problems that lend themselves to being solved with the distributive property, as it is not always necessary or useful in all solving situations.
• Instead of just giving students the distributive property definition, draw attention to examples of the distributive property as they come up in daily math activities. You may even keep an anchor chart of different examples. Over time, students will start using it and recognizing it on their own and then you can introduce them to the property and its official definition through their own examples.
• Include plenty of student discourse around this topic to ensure that students understand that breaking apart a number and then multiplying it in parts does not change the total product. This could include students sharing their thinking or critiquing the thinking of others.

Easy mistakes to make

• Thinking there is only one way to use the distributive property to solve Often, there is more than one way to use the distributive property when solving. For example, \begin{aligned} & 4 \times 5 \hspace{4.65cm} 4 \times 5 \\ & =(2+2) \times 5 \hspace{3.5cm} =(1+3) \times 5 \\ & =(2 \times 5)+(2 \times 5) \hspace{1cm} \text{ OR } \hspace{1cm} =(1 \times 5)+(3 \times 5) \\ & =10+10 \hspace{3.9cm} =5+15 \\ & =20 \hspace{4.63cm} =20 \end{aligned}

Related properties of equality lessons

• Properties of equality
• Order of operations
• Associative property
• Commutative property

Practice distributive property questions

1. Which of the following equations shows 12 \times 6 using the distributive property?

The numbers are being multiplied, so the distributive property can be used.

2. Which of the following equations shows 7 \times 9 using the distributive property?

3. Which of the following equations shows 11 \times 8 using the distributive property?

4. Which of the following equations shows 3 \times 7 using the distributive property?

5. Which of the following equations is NOT a way to solve 10 \times 5 using the distributive property?

This strategy is NOT a way to solve with the distributive property.

All the other equations break 10 or 5 up into a sum and add the products of the parts, using the distributive property correctly:

6. Which of the following equations is NOT a way to solve 9 \times 8 using the distributive property?

This strategy is NOT a way to solve 9 \times 8 with the distributive property.

All the other equations break 9 or 8 up into a sum and add the products of the parts, using the distributive property correctly:

Distributive property FAQs

Yes, the distributive property can be used with integers (including negative numbers) and rational numbers (including fractions and decimals), as long as the numbers are all being multiplied. In middle and high school, students will learn how to use the distributive property with any real number and/or algebraic expression.

No, even though the associative property also uses parentheses, they are different properties. The associative property says you can change the grouping of numbers when adding or multiplying and the sum or product will be the same. This is different from the distributive property.

Yes, this is called the distributive property of multiplication over subtraction.

This is a general term and means the same as the distributive property.

No, because of the order of operations (or PEMDAS), the products will be found first and then added together. However, it is good practice to group each partial product with parentheses.

The next lessons are

• Addition and subtraction
• Multiplication and division
• Types of numbers

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Distributive Property of Multiplication Worksheets for 3rd Graders

Printable Distributive Property of Multiplication Worksheets for 3rd Graders aligned with Common Core Standards. SplashLearn is an award-winning learning program used by more than 40 million children.

CONTENT TYPE

• Lesson Plans
• Math (1,020)
• Number Sense (121)
• Compare Numbers (18)
• Compare 3-Digit Numbers (9)
• Order Numbers (21)
• Order 3-Digit Numbers (10)
• Skip Counting (2)
• Skip Count By 10 (2)
• Even And Odd Numbers (24)
• Place Value (33)
• Round Numbers (21)
• Round Numbers To The Nearest 10 (10)
• Round Numbers To The Nearest 100 (10)
• Addition (146)
• Addition Properties (6)
• Addition Strategies (19)
• Add Using Multiples Of 10 (8)
• Add Three Whole Numbers (18)
• 2-Digit Addition (21)
• 3-Digit Addition (87)
• 3-Digit Addition Without Regrouping (22)
• 3-Digit Addition With Regrouping (42)
• Subtraction (155)
• Subtraction Strategies (25)
• Subtract From 10 Strategy (4)
• Subtract Using Multiples Of 10 (6)
• 2-Digit Subtraction (40)
• 2-Digit Subtraction Without Regrouping (11)
• 3-Digit Subtraction (98)
• 3-Digit Subtraction Without Regrouping (40)
• 3-Digit Subtraction With Regrouping (25)
• Multiplication (250)
• Multiplication Strategies (89)
• Multiplication With Equal Groups (25)
• Multiplication With Arrays (23)
• Multiplication Sentences (50)
• Repeated Addition To Multiply (15)
• Times Tables (63)
• Multiplication By 2 (5)
• Multiplication By 3 (6)
• Multiplication By 4 (5)
• Multiplication By 5 (8)
• Multiplication By 6 (5)
• Multiplication By 7 (4)
• Multiplication By 8 (5)
• Multiplication By 9 (4)
• Multiplication By 10 (5)
• Multiplication Properties (64)
• Commutative Property Of Multiplication (10)
• Distributive Property Of Multiplication (31)
• Multiply By Multiples Of 10 (18)
• Estimate Products (8)
• Multi-Digit Multiplication (8)
• Multiply 2-Digit By 1-Digit Numbers (8)
• Division (111)
• Divide On A Number Line (10)
• Division Facts (47)
• Estimate Quotients (5)
• Long Division (3)
• Divide 3-Digit By 1-Digit Numbers (3)
• Fractions (101)
• Fractions Using Models (42)
• Fractions On A Number Line (15)
• Compare Fractions (11)
• Order Fractions (18)
• Order Fractions Using Models (10)
• Equivalent Fractions (14)
• Equivalent Fractions Using Models (6)
• Fractions Operations (3)
• Geometry (20)
• Shapes (17)
• 2D Shapes (17)
• Attributes Of 2D Shapes (5)
• Partition Into Equal Parts (2)
• Data Handling (16)
• Measurement (31)
• Length (10)
• Measure Lengths Using The Ruler (8)
• Estimate Lengths (2)
• Capacity (4)
• Conversion Of Measurement Units (8)
• Perimeter (5)
• Time In Quarter Hours (10)
• Time To The Nearest 5 Minutes (6)
• Time To The Nearest Minute (1)
• Digital Clock (14)
• Elapsed Time (2)
• Multiply And Divide Money (2)
• Algebra (10)
• Factors And Multiples (9)
• Word Problems (160)
• Addition Word Problems (44)
• 2-Digit Addition Word Problems (18)
• 3-Digit Addition Word Problems (18)
• Subtraction Word Problems (16)
• Subtraction Word Problems Within 20 (1)
• Multiplication Word Problems (42)
• Division Word Problems (12)
• Multi-Step Word Problems (19)
• Reading (150)
• Phonics (3)
• Diphthongs (2)
• Reading Comprehension (144)
• Cause And Effect (5)
• Inference (10)
• Prediction (20)
• Sequencing (11)
• Story Elements (6)
• Authors Purpose (8)
• Compare And Contrast (8)
• Ask And Answer Questions (17)
• Point Of View (5)
• Reality And Fantasy (6)
• Using Illustrations (9)
• Using Text Features (8)
• Context Clues (9)
• Writing (320)
• Handwriting (259)
• Word Tracing (83)
• Sentence Tracing (50)
• Cursive Writing (126)
• Cursive Words (74)
• Cursive Sentences (52)
• Creative Writing (52)
• Opinion Writing (15)
• Descriptive Writing (20)
• Writing Paragraphs (45)
• Grammar (235)
• Adverbs (27)
• Adjectives (27)
• Singular And Plural Nouns (18)
• Pronouns (16)
• Parts Of Speech (8)
• Prepositions (8)
• Punctuation (13)
• Tenses (35)
• Article A An The (2)
• Spelling (18)
• Common Misspellings (6)
• Unscramble (8)
• Vocabulary (91)
• Affixes (4)
• Commonly Confused Words (2)
• Compound Words (9)
• Figures Of Speech (9)
• Synonyms And Antonyms (9)
• Word Puzzles (52)
• Word Search (40)

Use a Fact to Find Another Fact Worksheet

In this worksheet, learners will get to use a fact to find another fact.

Derive a Fact from Another Fact Using Visual Worksheet

Use this worksheet to derive a fact from another fact using visuals to strengthen your math skills.

Derive a Fact from Another Fact Worksheet

Reinforce math concepts by practicing to derive a fact from another fact.

Use Distributive Property Worksheet

Reinforce math concepts by practicing to use distributive property.

Use Distributive Property to Write Equation Worksheet

Solidify your math skills by practicing to use the distributive property to write equations.

Complete the Equations Worksheet

Reveal the secrets of math wizardry by practicing to complete the equations.

Using Arrays Complete the Equations Worksheet

This downloadable worksheet is designed to practice using arrays to complete the equations.

Mark True or False Worksheet

Combine math learning with adventure by solving to mark true or false.

Fill the Missing Numbers Worksheet

Fill the missing numbers by printing this playful worksheet.

Complete Using Distributive Property Worksheet

Use this printable worksheet to complete using distributive property to strengthen your math skills.

Fill Using Distributive Property Worksheet

Reveal the secrets of math wizardry by practicing to fill using the distributive property.

Use Distributive Property to Multiply Worksheet

Boost your ability to use distributive property to multiply by printing this playful worksheet.

Derive Multiplication Facts of 7 Worksheet

Learn multiplication at the speed of lightning by practicing to derive multiplication facts of 7.

Derive Multiplication Facts of 9 Worksheet

Put your skills to the test by practicing to derive multiplication facts of 9.

Find Product Using Distributive Property Worksheet

Pack your math practice time with fun by finding the product using distributive property.

Find Facts Using Distributive Property Worksheet

Learn multiplication at the speed of lightning by finding facts using the distributive property.

Model the Multiplication Expression Worksheet

Assess your math skills by modeling the multiplication expressions in this worksheet.

Model and Write the Multiplication Expression Worksheet

Print this worksheet to practice modeling and writing the multiplication expression correctly.

Fill in the Blanks using Distributive Property Worksheet

Print this worksheet to fill in the blanks using the distributive property like a math legend!

Represent the Arrays using Equations Worksheet

Reveal the secrets of math wizardry by practicing to represent the arrays using equations.

Complete the Equations using Distributive Property Worksheet

Practice multiplication by completing the equations using the distributive property.

Create Equations using Distributive Property Worksheet

Reveal the secrets of math wizardry by creating equations using distributive property.

Identify If True or False? Worksheet

Reveal the secrets of math wizardry by identifying true or false.

Rewrite using Distributive Property Worksheet

Be on your way to become a mathematician by practicing to rewrite using the distributive property.

Break it Down using Distributive Property Worksheet

Help your child revise multiplication by solving to break it down using distributive property.

Apply Distributive Property in 2 Different Ways Worksheet

Solidify your math skills by practicing to apply the distributive property in 2 different ways.

Break Multiply Subtract Worksheet

Print this worksheet to break, multiply and subtract like a math legend!

Break using Distributive Property Worksheet

Reveal the secrets of math wizardry by practicing to break down using the distributive property.

Rewrite the expression using Distributive Property Worksheet

Put your skills to the test by practicing to rewrite the expression using distributive property.

Multiply using Multiplication Model Worksheet

Print this worksheet to practice multiplying using multiplication models like a math legend!

Find the product using Distributive Property Worksheet

Learn multiplication at the speed of lightning by finding the product using distributive property.

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Teaching the Distributive Property – How To Break It Down

Teaching the Distributive Property in 3rd grade? Read on to see how I go about teaching this challenging math concept!

Did you ever think you would teach the Distributive Property of Multiplication as a third-grade teacher or even as an elementary teacher?  When I started teaching over 30 years ago, there weren’t even any standards.  Teachers just taught what was in the textbook. Breaking apart multiplication facts was just not on my radar.

When standards were introduced at the state level in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the Distributive Property of Multiplication was still relegated to middle school math for the most part. However, several years ago, California adopted the Common Core State Standards. And there it is. Right there.   Yes, I have to teach it . Most importantly, my students have to learn it and use it .

So, how did I go about teaching the Distributive Property of Multiplication?

Don’t Listen to the Textbook Publisher!

After many years of figuring that out, I’ve got some ideas and tips to share.  First of all, contrary to the math textbook publisher’s opinion, this is not just ONE lesson taught in ONE day. You can’t even use the textbook on this one.  Teachers know better.

I might add that the publisher’s explanation is more suited to high school students than to elementary students. Teaching the Distributive Property of Multiplication requires the teacher to know where students are and what they know before teaching it.

Teaching the Distributive Property of Multiplication my Way

Usually, I use a mix of approaches to teaching math.  Sometimes, I use a discovery approach.  Sometimes, I use Direct Instruction .  So, for this lesson, I decided on a hybrid approach.  I would teach the Distributive Property of Multiplication using a hands-on, inquiry, guided questioning approach COMBINED with some direct instruction with steps.

I designed my two-day lesson with my resources to teach the Distributive Property of Multiplication.  When I create lessons or think about how I teach a concept or standard, I try to think like a student, especially if I use an inquiry approach.

• Which part or parts of the Distributive Property of Multiplication (DPM) do students have difficulty comprehending or learning?
• What prerequisite skills do they need to use the DPM?
• What can I use to make the DPM comprehensible?

So, let’s start with the first question.

Which Parts of the Distributive Property of Multiplication Present the Most Difficulties?

That’s an easy question to answer.   ALL OF IT .  Think about it.  It is unlike any other Property of Multiplication, so there’s no building.  It involves notation they are usually unfamiliar with or rarely use:   mixed operations and parentheses in the same number sentence .

However, now that students have been instructed with the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics, students know how to decompose a number, be flexible with numbers, and use the Properties of Addition.  These are all helpful when connecting to the DPM.

There are many steps in the process, and each step can lead to an error.  We all know how complex multi-step problems are for students!

What is the Answer to Teaching the Distributive Property?

Break it down into steps .  Don’t rush into teaching the Distributive Property of Multiplication number sentences on the first day!  Slow it down so the students understand WHY we break apart an array, then ADD the two parts back to get a final product.

Students can relate to breaking apart complex representations or large numbers because they have done this using addition with the Break Apart Strategy .  Students are already familiar with building arrays to represent a multiplication sentence.

But first,  let’s start with breaking apart an array.

Breaking Apart Arrays for the Distributive Property of Multiplication

You would think that breaking apart an array is an easy step.  Not really.  Arrays can be broken apart in many ways:  vertically or horizontally.  But is there a way to break apart an array to make the process more efficient or easier?  YES!

One thing I do with students is practice breaking apart arrays at strategic points.  First, I would have them create an array and then let them explore how many ways they could break apart the array.  We would share ideas, solutions, etc.  I would pick at least three students to share how they broke apart the arrays. I purposely pick students who have the least efficient way, a sort of efficient way, and the most efficient way to break apart an array.  Why? I want students to see that mathematicians want to find a solution and work efficiently!

So, I’d pose a question?   Where could you break apart the array to make it easier to find the total?   These are two ideas I wanted the students to discover:   break apart an array at five, or if it’s an even number across, break apart the array in half.   With guided questions, the students could discover this on their own. We are on our way to teaching the Distributive Property!

Why Is This Important to Know?

Breaking apart an array at five means I will multiply by five, and almost all students can count by five or know their five facts.  Breaking apart an array in half means both arrays will be identical!  If you teach third graders these two fine points of breaking apart an array, you’ve eliminated some of the process’s difficulty in teaching the distributive property to elementary students.

How do you practice this?  With manipulatives because they make the concept real.  Students need to see and touch math for it to make sense!  I have my students build an array with foam tiles.  Then, they use their pencil (or ruler) to show where the array will be broken apart.  We practiced this several times and named the two new arrays with multiplication sentences.

The next step in teaching the Distributive Property is to connect symbols and numbers.  Students practice writing multiplication sentences on whiteboards or paper for the broken-apart arrays.  Once they get the hang of that, it’s time to move on to the next step.

Adding the Products in the Distributive Property of Multiplication

If you were to ask students about long division and why they bring down the next number, why they multiply, or why they subtract, how many could explain the reason?   So, how do you expect third graders to explain or understand why there is an ADDITION sign in a Distributive Property of Multiplication sentence?

Note:  yes, there are two ways to write DPM sentences, such as (7×5)+(7×2) or 7(5+2), but both ways involve the use of addition.  They probably couldn’t tell you why, even though they might compose the DPM sentences correctly.

But suppose you have the manipulatives while the students compose matching multiplication sentences. They conclude that you must ADD both products to get the final product! Here’s a recap of the first day’s lesson.

Notice that I have NOT introduced the DPM sentence yet.   That, I believe, was my mistake several years ago when I started teaching the Distributive Property.  The students could NOT understand why the array was broken apart or what we were adding.  Using manipulatives and just slowing down made those two concepts clear and comprehensible.

Day TWO,  Teaching the Distributive Property Steps

On day two, I reviewed what we had learned the day before.  We started with a quick warmup with a partially prepared anchor chart. Using a piece of yarn, I moved it around the array, splitting it in different ways until we agreed that splitting it at the five-mark was the best solution.  We would return to the anchor chart at the end of the lesson to reflect on what we learned.

The Distributive Property of Multiplication Ninjas!

Now, it’s time for the Distributive Ninjas to take over!  I enjoy using technology and using PowerPoint. I created a PowerPoint with Ninja Theme.  It has animation, sounds, and printables or worksheets for the students to follow along and practice.

I used this Distributive Property of Multiplication PowerPoint as a guided practice in teaching the distributive property.  This time, however, the students would learn the steps to writing a DPM sentence because that is where most errors occur.

The first part of the DPM PowerPoint focuses on breaking apart an array, writing multiplication sentences, and then adding the two products to the total product.  With two printables accompanying the slides, my students practiced breaking apart and distributive strategy with the same array in two different ways.

On the printable, I have these four steps:

• draw a vertical line to split the array 
• write a multiplication sentence below each array
• solve each multiplication sentence
• add the two products

Again, I am trying to cement the concept of breaking apart, multiplying, and adding all parts of a DPM sentence.

The second part of teaching the distributive property with the DPM PowerPoint is introducing the DMP sentence with parentheses and the addition symbol.  Students already know why we add, so the addition symbol is not a mystery.  I explain that the parentheses (like the ones we learned about in the Associative Property of Addition) show what to do first.

Time for Some Direct Instruction on the Steps

In direct instruction, steps are essential.  In teaching the distributive property steps, you want to make sure the students do each step one at a time. Once you know they can do each step, give them two steps at a time to follow.  Then, let them follow all the steps in a guided practice problem.  If they can do all the steps successfully, it’s time for partners to take turns explaining the steps to each other.   Notice that this practice of procedure comes AFTER I try to build a conceptual understanding of this property. The first lessons on teaching the Distributive Property must focus on conceptual understanding.

Essentially, each partner has to teach the other partner the steps.  If you can teach it, then you know it! From there, it was time for independent practice.  I gave students a simple worksheet where they had to draw an array for a multiplication sentence first and then follow the steps.

Resources for the Distributive Property of Multiplication

I’ve also created a DPM center and games to accompany the DPM.  The DPM center is also great for small groups of students who are still not getting it or need more practice understanding breaking apart and adding, matching multiplication sentences, or writing DPM sentences.

The  DPM games are great to have out during the entire multiplication unit so that students continue to get some practice with the DPM.  I sneak them in or make time for them when we have extra time.  If I had an extra day to focus on the DPM, I would put out this center and games for the day.

Games for the Distributive Property is another resource I created to help practice this critical property.  In this resource, there are four games for the students to play. Some games can be played individually, in pairs, in a small group, or even with the entire class!

Recently, I added a new addition to the DPM resources: The Distributive Property of Multiplication on Google Slides® .  Students can practice this property on a Chromebook, tablet, or desktop computer.

There are 26 slides in Depth of Knowledge levels 1, 2, and 3. There are five problems for each DOK level for a total of 15 problems.   It’s great preparation for online state testing. Here are more highlights about this digital interactive notebook for the Distributive Property of Multiplication .

• All the slides provide more instructions and information to the student in the SPEAKER NOTES section of each slide (similar to the Presenter’s Notes area in PowerPoint).
• Each section has a slide that prepares the student for work in the section with ideas, tips, or strategies to use.
• Part 1 and Part 2 each have a reflection slide at the end for students to reflect on what was learned.
• The question stems for Part 3 are modeled after the sample questions for the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium assessment given to third-grade students.

But as teachers know, the pacing guide doesn’t wait for you, so I have to keep going to stay on track and meet district guidelines for assessment.  Click HERE to see all my TpT resources for the Distributive Property of Multiplication, including this BUNDLE, and save, save, save!!!!

If you’re looking for more ideas for multiplication, check out my Pinterest Boards .  I have several boards related to multiplication, including the Distributive Property of Multiplication.  Consider following it for more ideas, resources, and tips!

Click below for more articles on teaching multiplication.

• Frustrated Students Don’t Know the Multiplication Facts?
• 3 Tried and True Ways to Teach Multiplication
• 5 Helpful Multiplication Videos.

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How do you teach your students about the Distributive Property of Multiplication?

Share your ideas in the comments!

• Read more about: common core , distributive property , manipulatives , Math , powerpoint

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How to be Successful with Introducing Multiplication to 3rd Graders

Teaching Multiplication Virtually? Try these helpful and easy ideas!

2 thoughts on “teaching the distributive property – how to break it down”.

I bought the distributive property of multiplication packet (the ninja one). I just tried to print out the game boards 3 times and they came out black where the white should be.

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What Is the Distributive Property of Multiplication?

Identity Property Any number multiplied by 1 is just itself. 3 × 1 = 3

Commutative Property If you swap the order of two factors, you get the same product. 3 × 4 = 4 × 3

Associative Property When you multiply three or more factors together, it doesn't matter which two you multiply first. You get the same product. (3 × 4) × 2 = 3 × (4 × 2)

What Is the Distributive Property?

3 × (2 + 10) = ?

Another Example

4 × (2 + 5) = ?

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Distributive Property Worksheet (pdf) and Answer Key

Students will practice applying the distributive property of multiplication over addition.

This worksheet has 23 problems.

This is a 4 part worksheet

• Part I. Model Problems
• Part II. Practice
• Part III. Challenge Problems
• Part IV. Answer Key

Example Worksheet Questions

Directions: Simplify by applying the distributive property .

Visual Aids

• Distributive Property Quiz

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Distributive property 3rd

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Commutative, Associative, Distributive Properties (Grade 3)

Related Topics: Lesson Plans and Worksheets for Grade 3 Lesson Plans and Worksheets for all Grades More Lessons for Grade 3 Common Core For Grade 3

Videos, examples, solutions, and lessons to help Grade 3 students learn to apply properties of operations as strategies to multiply and divide.  Examples: If 6 × 4 = 24 is known, then 4 × 6 = 24 is also known. (Commutative property of multiplication.) 3 × 5 × 2 can be found by 3 × 5 = 15, then 15 × 2 = 30, or by 5 × 2 = 10, then 3 × 10 = 30. (Associative property of multiplication.) Knowing that 8 × 5 = 40 and 8 × 2 = 16, one can find 8 × 7 as 8 × (5 + 2) = (8 × 5) + (8 × 2) = 40 + 16 = 56. (Distributive property.)

Common Core: 3.OA.5

Suggested Learning Target

• I can explain the commutative, associative, and distributive property of multiplication.
• I can apply the commutative, associative, and distributive properties to decompose, regroup, and/or reorder factors to make it easier to multiply two or more factors.
• I can explain how the operation properties can and cannot apply to division and use those properties that can apply to make it easier to find the quotient.

Commutative Property of Multiplication The order of numbers does not matter when multiplying.

Associative Property of Multiplication The sum or product stays the same when grouping of addends or factors is changed.

Distributive Property When multiplying a factor and a sum, you can distribute the factor across the addition.

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Distributive Property 3rd grade

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