Identifying Number Properties Worksheet Download
This worksheet names a property - commutative, identity or associative - together with an operation, then asks which of four number sentences shows it. All six combinations of the three properties with addition and multiplication appear across the sheet. Three of the four choices are perfectly true number sentences: one shows the same property of the other operation, one shows a different property of the same operation, and one is the misconception for the property asked, such as writing a number times zero equals itself for the identity of multiplication, or applying the commutative property to subtraction. Because most of the choices are true, a student who does not read the property name cannot get through by picking the equation that works. Every option on a problem uses the same numbers, so only the structure of the sentence tells them apart.
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About this worksheet
Students are given the name of a property and choose which of four number sentences shows it.
Student objectives
- Recognize the commutative, identity and associative properties from the form of a number sentence
- Tell a property of addition apart from the same property of multiplication
- Know that the identity element is 0 for addition and 1 for multiplication
- Judge a number sentence by its structure, not only by whether it is true
Everyday practice
- Add a list of prices in whichever order is easiest, knowing the total is the same
- Regroup numbers when adding in your head, like 8 + 7 + 2 as 8 + 2 + 7
- Know that one box of anything is just that amount, no multiplying needed
- Check a friend's arithmetic by reordering the numbers and comparing