
In the first example, 4 is grouped with 5, and 4 + 5 = 9. You can remember the meaning of the associative property by remembering that when you associate with family members, friends, and co-workers, you end up forming groups with them.īelow, are two ways of simplifying the same addition problem. The associative property of addition states that numbers in an addition expression can be grouped in different ways without changing the sum. The Associative Properties of Addition and Multiplication Let’s take a look at a few addition examples. These properties apply to all real numbers. The commutative property of multiplication states that when two numbers are being multiplied, their order can be changed without affecting the product. For example, 30 + 25 has the same sum as 25 + 30. Likewise, the commutative property of addition states that when two numbers are being added, their order can be changed without affecting the sum. In mathematics, we say that these situations are commutative-the outcome will be the same (the coffee is prepared to your liking you leave the house with both shoes on) no matter the order in which the tasks are done. As long as you are wearing both shoes when you leave your house, you are on the right track! In the same way, it does not matter whether you put on your left shoe or right shoe first before heading out to work. The order that you add ingredients does not matter. Add a splash of milk to mug, then add 12 ounces of coffee.Pour 12 ounces of coffee into mug, then add splash of milk.You would end up with the same tasty cup of coffee whether you added the ingredients in either of the following ways: For example, think of pouring a cup of coffee in the morning. You may encounter daily routines in which the order of tasks can be switched without changing the outcome. Using these properties will help you carry out and simplify lots of other operations or more complex math problems! Use them to help you learn your math facts even faster as well.The Commutative Properties of Addition and Multiplication Therefore, real numbers are closed under multiplication. In addition, if you multiply any two real numbers, you will get a real number product. Therefore, real numbers are closed under addition. If you add any two real numbers, you will get a real number sum. If you do something to two real numbers and always get a real number answer, you could say that real numbers are closed under that operation. This property is all about the answers you get. You could also multiply by the reciprocal or multiplicative inverse to get 1. In other words, when you add a number and its opposite or additive inverse you get 0. To "undo" you could add the additive inverse. The inverse property is all about undoing. So 4 + 0 = 4 or -13 + 0 = -13.įor multiplication, this property says that you can multiply by 1 and not change the value of the number. It doesn't matter what the real number is, if you multiply by zero, you get zero!Įxamples: 4 x 0 = 0, 15 x 0 = 0, 1 1/2 x 0 = 0, -32 x 0 = 0įor addition, this property says that you can add 0 and not change the value of the number. Check out how the number outside can be used.Įxamples: 4(3 + 5) = 4(3) + 4(5) or 4(8 - 7) = 4(8) - 4(7)Įver noticed this handy little property? Any time you multiply something by zero, you get zero. This property is all about dealing with a number outside the parentheses when there is a sum or difference inside. Notice that the location of the parentheses can be changed and the answer is still the same.Įxamples: (5 + 6) + 3 = 5 + (6 + 3) and (3 x 2) x 4 = 3 x (2 x 4) If you switch the order of the numbers when adding or multiplying, the answer doesn't chance.Įxamples : 3 x 4 = 4 x 3 and 3 + 4 = 4 + 3Ī(bc) = (ab)c & a + (b + c) = (a + b) + c Here is a brief look at several of the properties: The properties help us to add, subtract, multiply, divide, and various other mathematical operations. Remember that the real numbers are made up of all the rational and irrational numbers. There are a number of properties that can be used to help us work with real numbers.
