Year 6 - Maths
Explain how the distributive law applies to multiplication expressions with a common factor
Order of operations
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit pupils will explore what happens when we combine addition and subtraction with multiplication and division, bringing up the need for the order of operations.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain how the distributive law can help to solve multiplication problems more efficiently, and write equations that show this.
Key Notes
- 2 groups of ___ plus 3 groups of ___ is equal to 5 groups of ___
- Where there is a common factor within expressions, the uncommon factors can be added or subtracted before multiplying.
- The distributive law can be very useful for solving problems where there is a common factor.
- You can use brackets in an equation to show that you have used the distributive law.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Distributive law: The distributive law says that multiplying a number by a group of numbers added together is the same as doing each multiplication separately.
- Common: Common can mean that something is the same as something else. For example, when multiplication expressions each have one factor that is the same, they are said be common factors.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Children may add or subtract the common factors together rather than the uncommon factors.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
2 groups of ___ plus 3 groups of ___ is equal to 5 groups of ___. Where there is a common factor within expressions, the uncommon factors can be added or subtracted before multiplying.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Distributive law'
The distributive law says that multiplying a number by a group of numbers added together is the same as doing each multiplication separately. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: Children may add or subtract the common factors together rather than the uncommon factors. Correction: Use unitising counters or other physical resources to represent each problem and manipulate these to demonstrate the distributive law before showing children the equation that represents it.
More Lessons In This Unit
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