There are four basic operations in mathematics, addition (+), Multiplication (×), Division (÷), and subtraction (-). Commutative property deal with addition and multiplication. The commutative property does not work in Subtraction and Division. These four basic operations in mathematics (+,-,÷,×) combined two sets of numbers to give a result. For example 2+4=6 or 2×4=8. This article will discuss the commutative property of addition and multiplication
What is commutative property?
The commutative property is from the word “commute” which means to move or exchange. The commutative property says that when the position of the operands in an arithmetic operation is changed or rearranged it does not affect the results. Commutative property deal with addition (+) and multiplication (×). The commutative property does not work in Subtraction and Division.
Commutative property of addition
The commutative property of addition says that in adding numbers, the order or position of the addends does not affect the results. For example, if A and B are two given real numbers, the commutative property formula is defined as A + B = B + A, solving 3 and 4 using the commutative property of addition. Let’s say A=3 and B= 4, the A + B = B + A. Therefore 3+4=4+3=7.
Commutative property of multiplication
The commutative property of multiplication says that the way or order in which we Multiply numbers does not affect the result. If A and B are two given numbers, the commutative property of the multiplication formula says A×B=B×A. Let’s look at an example. If 5 and 6 are two given numbers, using the commutative property of the multiplication formula, let’s say A=5 and B=6. Then 5×6=6×5=30,
NOTE: The way or order in which we subtract or divide numbers affects their results and hence Subtraction and Division are not commutative. For example, 3 – 5 ≠ 5 – 3 also 6 ÷ 3 ≠ 3 ÷ 6
Read also:
Associative property
Distributive property
Closure property