The symmetry of the multiplication table around the square numbers diagonal we call commutativity or the commutative property. It means that in a 12 by 12 multiplication table we need only learn 72 or so facts and not 144. It also means that the square numbers are not the only important diagonal patterns in the table. As with so many of the things we do on spreadsheets, we not only encourage students to explore, we encourage them to be look for the beauty in math.