1.2 Learn Basic Properties and Operations
1.2 Learn Basic Properties and Operations
Completion requirements
This lesson will help you learn the basic properties and rules that govern math problem-solving.
Properties
The commutative property applies to addition and multiplication. It states that you can add or multiply numbers in any order without changing the result.
Note: We use letters when we write a property so that it is clear that the property will work for all numbers.
$$a + b = b + a$$ and $$ab = ba$$ |
Examples
1.
We can add the numbers in any order, and the result will be 5.
2.
Changing the order of the numbers being multiplied doesn’t change the answer.
Remember, subtraction and division are not commutative operations. Changing the order changes the result.