Which property states that y multiplied by 1 equals y?

The correct answer is the identity property, which is fundamental in mathematics. This property states that when a number is multiplied by 1, the result is the number itself. In this case, if y is any number, then multiplying y by 1 will yield y. This property is important because it helps establish a foundation for various operations in arithmetic and algebra.

For instance, when simplifying equations or performing calculations, recognizing that multiplying by 1 does not change the value of a number is crucial. This concept allows students to manipulate expressions and solve problems confidently.

The other properties involve different concepts: the commutative property refers to the ability to change the order of numbers in addition or multiplication without affecting the result; the additive property of zero states that adding zero to a number does not change its value; and the reciprocal property involves the relationship between numbers and their multiplicative inverses. These distinctions clarify why the identity property is specifically the one that answers the question regarding multiplication by 1.