Associative property can be defined only for

The rule for the associative property of addition: (a + b) + c = a + (b + c)

The rule for the associative property of multiplication is: (ab) c = a (bc)

Let us consider a set of whole numbers a=2,b=3 and c=4

For Addition,

(2+3)+4=9 and 2+(3+4) =9

Hence addition is associative in nature

For multiplication,

$(2\times 3)\times 4=24$ and $2\times (3\times 4)=24$

Hence multiplication is also associative.

Therefore, the associative property is applicable for the Addition and Multiplication of whole numbers as well as rational numbers.