What is Commutative Property

Introduction:

            The commutative property applies to both addition and multiplication. For addition, the commutative property means that you can add two numbers in any order. The sums will be the same. For example, 4+2 and 2+4 both add up to 9.

            Mathematicians often write properties with letters instead of numbers. You will get more practice using letters when you work with algebra. The letters a and b stand for any two numbers.

Concept of commutative property:

Commutative property for addition:

                   In addition, the number can be added in any order.

                          a+b=b+a

                        the commutative property for multiplication means that you can multiply two number in any order. The products will be the same. For example, both 4x6 and 6x4 equal to 24.

Commutative property for multiplication:

                   The commutative property for multiplication can be written in two ways.

                        a x b = b x a ( or ) ab=ba

                        Notice the expression ab=ba. When two letters stand next to each other with no signs between them, this indicates multiplication. Again, remember that a and b for any two numbers.