Mathematics·Multiplication & Division·conceptual
Factor Pairs & Commutativity
Recognise and use factor pairs and commutativity in mental calculations
Suggested ages 8–9
Learning journey
Your child is building fluency with multiplication and division — memorizing times tables up to 12×12, understanding the relationship between multiplication and division, and solving word problems involving equal groups and arrays.
Evidence of understanding
- List all factor pairs of a given number (e.g. 24: 1×24, 2×12, 3×8, 4×6)
- Use commutativity to reorder a multiplication for easier mental calculation
- Explain what a factor pair is and how commutativity helps
Assessment prompt
If Factor Pairs & Commutativity needs to multiply '4 × 15', can they spot that splitting it into '4 × 5 × 3 = 20 × 3 = 60' is a clever shortcut — using factor pairs to make it easier?
Standards alignment
Ma/KS2/Y4/MD/3GB · uk-nc-2013
Factor pairs and commutativity
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 2