Why is 2x3 and 3x2 different but also the same?

Dear Parents,

I hope you had fun discussing this concept with your child yesterday. You can refer to his Maths ATM book page 1 for an illustration of this concept. For those whose child had problems explaining, here's an explanation of the concept:

• We read 2x3 as 2 groups of 3. Which means we form 2 groups, and in each group, there are 3 objects.
• On the other hand, we read 3x2 as 3 groups of 2. Which means we form 3 groups, and in each group, there are 2 objects.
• So, 2x3 is not the same as 3x2 because the groupings are different.
• BUT, they can also be considered the same because both number sentences will give the same answer.
• Therefore, the boys learnt that sometimes in Maths, there is no definite answer and no definite right or wrong. It all depends on how you look at it and how you justify your answer.