Chris Odom

Module 4-3, Module 4-4

6th Grade Mathematics
6-3.4 Use the commutative, associative, and distributive properties to show that two
expressions are equivalent.
Content Knowledge Comparative Classification Total
and Reasoning Reasoning
Understanding (B) (C)
(A)
Equivalent 3 2 2 7
Expressions
using
Commutative
Property (1)
Equivalent 3 2 2 7
Expressions
using
Associative
Property (2)
Equivalent 3 2 2 7
Expressions
using
Distributive
Property (3)
Total 9 6 6 21

Reflection:
I wanted to make each of the parts of this indicator equal as all three will be need to later
solve equations. I chose for the students to work 3 problems in the knowledge and
understanding part of each to test the basic procedural knowledge that my students need
to solve problems. This will help me to be able to find the problems that my students
have in solving these type questions.
Students need to be able to compare different types of things in math. However, this level
of student is just beginning to make the connections needed to use this level of thinking.
Therefore, I put fewer problems that require students to compare.
I put two classification problems for each group because the students need to be able to
recognize each property and when it is applied. Students are expected by the state
standards to be able to pick out which property is represented when given a list of
different equations.

Module 4-4
1(A) Rewrite using the commutative property: 3+6 = ____ + _____
1(B) Which two expressions are equivalent because of the associative property?

1. (3+4)+5 2. 3+(4x5) 3.3+4+5 4. 3+(4+5) 5. 3x(4+5)

a. 1 and 2
Chris Odom
Module 4-3, Module 4-4
b. 2 and 5
c. 1 and 4
d. 1 and 3

1(C) Which of the following problems uses the commutative property to rewrite the
equation?

(a) 4+5=9
(b) 4x5=5+4
(c) 4x5=5x4
(d) 20=4x5

2(A) True or False: 3x(5x9)=(3x5)x9

2(B) Which problem has a correct use of the associative property and why?

4+(5+6) 4(5+6)
=(4+6)+5 =20+24
=10+5 =44
=15

2(C) Which property is shown in this problem: 5x(9x10)=(5x9)x10?

(a) Identity
(b) Commutative
(c) Associative
(d) Distributive

3(A) Simplify using distributive property: 4(x-3) =

3(B) Which solution uses distributive property to get at its answer?

5(3+4) 4(3+2)
=5x3+5x4 = 4(5)
=15+20 =20
=35

3(C) Identify the property used to simplify this problem:

5(6-2)
=5x6 – 5x2
=30 – 10
= 20
Chris Odom
Module 4-3, Module 4-4