Properties of Multiplication — Answer Key
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
In Grade 3, 5 x 0 equals 5 because the five stays alone.
Corrected: In Grade 3, 5 x 0 equals 0 because the zero property makes the product zero.
Grade 3 zero property: n x 0 = 0 for every factor n.
2. Fix the sentence:
Grade 3: 0 x 12 equals 12 since zero does nothing.
Corrected: Grade 3: 0 x 12 equals 0 since multiplying by zero gives zero.
Grade 3 zero property wipes the product to 0 regardless of factor.
3. Fix the sentence:
For Grade 3, 7 x 0 = 70 because we stick a zero on the end.
Corrected: For Grade 3, 7 x 0 = 0 because the zero property gives zero.
Grade 3: 7 x 0 = 0, not 70; zero property wins.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. Grade 3 zero property: 6 x 0 = 0 because any factor times zero is zero.
Grade 3 zero property: n x 0 = 0, so 6 x 0 = 0.
2. Grade 3: 0 x 48 = 0 using the zero property of multiplication.
Grade 3: commutes to 48 x 0 = 0 by the zero property.
3. Grade 3: (4 x 3) x 0 = 0 using the zero property.
Grade 3: 12 x 0 = 0, so the whole expression is 0.
4. Grade 3: 0 x 0 = 0 using the zero property of multiplication.
Grade 3 zero property: 0 x 0 = 0 with no exceptions.
Part C: True or False?
Read each statement. Circle True or False.
1. Grade 3 zero property says 9 x 0 = 0.
True False
Grade 3: 9 x 0 = 0 follows the zero property exactly.
2. Grade 3: 0 x 15 = 15 under the zero property.
True False
Grade 3: 0 x 15 = 0, not 15.
3. Grade 3: the zero property makes every product with a 0 factor equal 0.
True False
Grade 3: if any factor is 0, the product is 0.