Commutative

Jargon-Free Definition

A rule showing that numbers can swap places without changing the answer.

QCAA/AC9 Definition

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

Examples of Word Use in School

  • Use the commutative property of addition.
  • Show that multiplication is commutative.
  • Test whether subtraction is commutative.

Mathematical Definition

For an operation , the commutative property means .