The Commutative Law states that when adding or multiplying two numbers together, you can successfully complete the calculation regardless of which way round the numbers are.

 

For example:

4 + 2 = 6     and     2 + 4 = 6

3 x 5 = 15   and    5 x 3 = 15

 

The word commutative is used because it is like a commuter who travels the same journey each day in opposite directions (the same journey forwards and then backwards).

 

CURRICULUM LINK:

I have investigated how
whole numbers are
constructed, can
understand the
importance of zero within
the system and can use
my knowledge to explain
the link between a digit,
its place and its value.
MNU 1-02a

 

You may wish to find out more about:

The Associative Law, The Distributive Law