Associative Basics
What does the associative property of addition tell us about grouping numbers?
Grouping numbers in any way doesn’t change the sum
Which one of these expressions is equivalent to
(6 + 4) + 3?
A) 6 + (4 + 3)
B) (6 + 3) + 4
A
Solve: (3 + 2) + 7 = ?
12
Why are parentheses important in the associative property?
They show how numbers are grouped, but do not change the result in addition.
Does the total amount change if you group $5 + $7 + $3 in different ways?
Which of the following expressions shows the associative property?
A) (2 + 3) + 4 = 2 + (3 + 4)
B) 2 + (3 + 4) = 9
A
Fill in the blank: (7 + ___) + 9 = 7 + (3 + 9)
3
Solve and rewrite using the associative property:
5 + (4 + 6)
(5 + 4) + 6 = 15
True or False: In addition, parentheses change the outcome of a sum.
False
John had 4 candies, then got 3 more, and later 5 more. Can he group his candies differently but still have the same amount?
Yes
True or False: The associative property can be used with subtraction.
False
Rewrite the expression (2 + 5) + 9 using the associative property.
2 + (5 + 9)
Solve and rewrite using the associative property:
(6 + 3) + 2
6 + (3 + 2) = 11
Write this without parentheses: (7 + 5) + 2
7 + 5 + 2
A team scores 6 points, 8 points, and then 7 points. Can they add their points in any order and get the same total?
Yes, 6 + 8 + 7 is the same no matter the grouping.
Complete the equation using the associative property: (5 + 2) + 8 = ___ + (2 + 8)
5
Which property is shown here: (1 + 4) + 6 = 1 + (4 + 6)?
Associative Property of addition
Solve and rewrite using the associative property:
(2 + 7) + 8
2 + (7 + 8) = 17
Add parentheses to show the associative property:
3 + 4 + 5
(3 + 4) + 5 or 3 + (4 + 5)
Is $9 + ($3 + $4) the same as ($9 + $3) + $4 when figuring out a shopping total?
Yes
How many numbers must there be in an addition expression to use the associative property?
At least 3 numbers
Change the grouping in this expression according to the associative property: (3 + 8) + 5
3 + (8 + 5)
Solve for the total using any grouping you choose: 4 + 3 + 9
16
Which expression shows the associative property?
A) 8 + (2 + 3)
B) (8 + 2) + 3
Both A and B
You can use the associative property when counting in groups, like organizing snacks into different piles.
True