The Identity Property of Multiplication states that any number multiplied by 1 equals that same number. The number 1 is called the "identity" because it keeps the other number's identity unchanged.
Think of multiplying by 1 like looking in a mirror. You see yourself, not a changed version. The number stays exactly the same.
To multiply any number by 1, you simply state the original number. The order does not matter: 1 × a number and a number × 1 give the same result.
Always check: If one of the numbers you are multiplying is 1, your answer will be the other number.
Learning all the multiplication facts where 1 is a factor helps build speed and confidence. Here is the complete set.
This is the easiest fact family to learn! The pattern is simple and never changes, which makes it a great starting point for multiplication.
Recognizing when to multiply by 1 in real-world situations helps you understand the concept deeply.
Look for phrases like "each one has," "a single," or "every group" when identifying the number 1 in a word problem.