Solve the Multiple Factor Problem: 15 × 2 × 8

Q: Why can I change the order of multiplication?

The commutative property says you can multiply numbers in any order and get the same result. So $ 15 \times 2 \times 8 $ equals $ 2 \times 15 \times 8 $ or any other arrangement!

Q: Should I multiply left to right or rearrange first?

Both methods work! You can multiply left to right (15 × 2 = 30, then 30 × 8 = 240) or rearrange for easier calculation (15 × 8 = 120, then 2 × 120 = 240).

Q: How do I know which order is easier?

Look for round numbers or easier combinations! In this problem, 15 × 8 = 120 is easier to calculate mentally than 15 × 2 = 30 first.

Q: What if I get a different answer using different orders?

If you get different answers, check your arithmetic! The commutative property guarantees the same result, so a different answer means there's a calculation error somewhere.

Q: Can I use this property with more than three numbers?

Absolutely! The commutative property works with any number of factors. You can rearrange $ 3 \times 7 \times 2 \times 5 $ in any order that makes calculation easier.

Multi-Factor Multiplication with Commutative Property

Solve the following problem:

$15\times2\times8=$

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Solve

00:03 Let's arrange the exercise according to the commutative law to make it easier to solve

00:08 Let's solve each multiplication separately

00:12 Let's calculate the multiplication using long multiplication

00:19 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

Solve the following problem:

$15\times2\times8=$

Step-by-step solution

Since the exercise involves only multiplication, we will use the commutative property to simplify the calculation:

$2\times15\times8=$

Now let's solve the multiplication on the right:

$15\times8=120$

We obtain the following expression:

$2\times120=240$

Final Answer

$240$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: Multiplication order doesn't affect the final product result
Technique: Rearrange to simplify: 15 × 8 = 120, then 2 × 120 = 240
Check: Calculate left to right: 15 × 2 = 30, then 30 × 8 = 240 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Adding instead of multiplying all factors
Don't calculate 15 + 2 + 8 = 25! This confuses addition with multiplication and gives a drastically wrong answer. Always multiply each factor: 15 × 2 × 8 means multiply all three numbers together.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

$74+32+6+4+4=\text{?}$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can I change the order of multiplication?

The commutative property says you can multiply numbers in any order and get the same result. So $15 \times 2 \times 8$ equals $2 \times 15 \times 8$ or any other arrangement!

Should I multiply left to right or rearrange first?

Both methods work! You can multiply left to right (15 × 2 = 30, then 30 × 8 = 240) or rearrange for easier calculation (15 × 8 = 120, then 2 × 120 = 240).

How do I know which order is easier?

Look for round numbers or easier combinations! In this problem, 15 × 8 = 120 is easier to calculate mentally than 15 × 2 = 30 first.

What if I get a different answer using different orders?

If you get different answers, check your arithmetic! The commutative property guarantees the same result, so a different answer means there's a calculation error somewhere.

Can I use this property with more than three numbers?

Absolutely! The commutative property works with any number of factors. You can rearrange $3 \times 7 \times 2 \times 5$ in any order that makes calculation easier.

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