Associative

Jargon-Free Definition

A rule showing that the grouping of numbers can change without changing the answer.

QCAA/AC9 Definition

Describes an operation where changing the grouping of numbers does not change the result.

Examples of Word Use in School

  • Use the associative property to regroup the numbers.
  • Show that addition is associative.
  • Explain why the answer stays the same.

Mathematical Definition

For an operation , the associative property means .