Commutative Property

The commutative property applies to addition and multiplication. It states that the order of the numbers does not change the result of the operation.

Addition:

a + b = b + a

For example, 3 + 4 = 4 + 3

Multiplication:

a * b = b * a

For example, 2 * 5 = 5 * 2

Associative Property

The associative property also applies to addition and multiplication. It states that the grouping of the numbers does not change the result of the operation.

Addition:

(a + b) + c = a + (b + c)

For example, (2 + 3) + 4 = 2 + (3 + 4)

Multiplication:

(a * b) * c = a * (b * c)

For example, (2 * 3) * 4 = 2 * (3 * 4)

Study Guide:

• Understand the commutative property for addition and multiplication.
• Understand the associative property for addition and multiplication.
• Practice identifying examples of the commutative and associative properties in simple arithmetic problems.
• Create your own examples to demonstrate the commutative and associative properties.
• Apply these properties to solve more complex math problems.