Table of Contents
In the previous segment, we learnt about the Commutative property of whole numbers. In this segment, we will learn about the Associative property of whole numbers.
Associative property of whole numbers
Associate means to connect something. To check whether the whole numbers are associative, we connect the numbers in a given mathematical expression by putting brackets around them. This means the numbers inside the brackets have to be solved first.
Associative property – Addition
Consider the following expression: 1 + 2 + 3
Case 1: A bracket is put around the first two numbers, (1 + 2) + 3.
The quantity present in the bracket is to be solved first. Thus solving this expression will give:
(1 + 2) + 3 = 3 + 3 = 6
Case 2: A bracket is put around the second and the third number, 1 + (2 + 3). Once again, the bracket has to be solved first. This gives the answer as:
1 + (2 + 3) = 1 + 5 = 6
In both cases, the answer remains the same. Thus, we can say that whole numbers under addition are associative.
Associative property – Multiplication
Consider this example: 4 × 5 × 6
Case 1: 4 × 5 × 6
This will give the solution as: (4 × 5) × 6 = 20 × 6 = 120
Case 2: 4 × 5 × 6
Solving this gives: 4 × (5 × 6) = 4 × 30 = 120