Associative Property

Associative property explains that the addition and multiplication of numbers are possible regardless of how they are grouped. By grouping we mean the numbers which are given inside the parenthesis (). Suppose you are adding three numbers, say 2, 5, 6, altogether. Then even if we group the numbers in addition procedures such as 2 + (5 + 6) or (2 + 5) + 6, in both ways the result will be the same. The same rule applies to multiplication, i.e., 2 x (5 x 6) = (2 x 5) x 6. This property is almost similar to commutative property, where only two numbers are used.

Associative Property of- 

Addition 

2 + (5 + 6) = (2 + 5) + 6        

2 + 11 = 7 + 6

13 = 13

Multiplication

2 × (5 × 6) = (2 × 5) × 6

2 × 30 = 10 × 6

60 = 60

Mathematical equations have their own manipulative principles. These principles or properties help us to solve such equations. Basically, there are three properties which outline the backbone of mathematics and these properties are used to perform different arithmetic operations. They are:

• Associative property
• Commutative property
• Distributive property

Associative Property Definition

Associative as the name implies, means grouping. The origin of the term associative is from the word “associate”. Basic mathematical operations that can be performed using the associate property are addition and multiplication. This is normally applicable to more than 2 numbers.

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As in the case of Commutative property, the order of grouping does not matter in Associative property. It will not alter the result. The grouping of numbers can be done in parenthesis irrespective of the order of terms. Thus, the associative law expresses that it doesn’t make a difference which part of the operation is carried out first; the answer will be the same.

Note: Both associative and commutative property is applicable for addition and multiplication only.

Associative Property

Associative Property for Addition

The addition follows associative property i.e. regardless of how numbers are parenthesized the final sum of the numbers will be the same. Associative property of addition states that:

(x+y)+z = x+(y+z)

Let us say, we want to add 5+10+4. It can be seen that the answer is 19. Now, let us group the numbers; put 5 and 10 in the bracket. We get,

⇒ (5+10)+4 = 15+4 = 19        (Remember BODMAS rule)

Now, let’s regroup the terms like 10 and 4 in brackets;

⇒  5+(10+4) = 5 + 14 = 19

Yes, it can be seen that the sum in both cases are the same. This is the associative property of addition.

Let us see some more examples.

(1) 3+(2+1) = (3+2)+1

3+3 = 5+1

6 = 6

L.H.S = R.H.S

(2) 4+(-6+2) = [4 + (-6)] + 2

4 + (-4) = [4-6] + 2

4-4 = -2+2

0 = 0

L.H.S = R.H.S

Associative Property for Multiplication

Rule for the associative property of multiplication is:

(xy) z = x (yz)

On solving 5×3×2, we get 30 as a product. Now as in addition, let’s group the terms:

⇒ (5 × 3) × 2 = 15 × 2 = 30         (BODMAS rule)

After regrouping,

⇒ 5 × (3 × 2) = 5 × 6 = 30

Products will be the same.

Thus, addition and multiplication are associative in nature but subtraction and division are not associative.

For example, divide 100 ÷ 10 ÷ 5

⇒ (100 ÷ 10) ÷ 5 ≠ 100 ÷ (10 ÷ 5)

⇒ (10) ÷ 5 ≠ 100 ÷ (2)

⇒ 2 ≠ 50

Subtract, 3 − 2 − 1

⇒ (3 − 2) − 1 ≠ 3 − (2 − 1)

⇒ (1) – 1 ≠ 3 − (1)

⇒ 0 ≠ 2

Hence, proved the associative property is not applicable for subtraction and division methods.

Associative property of Rational Numbers

Rational numbers follow the associative property for addition and multiplication.

Suppose a/b, c/d and e/f are rational, then the associativity of addition can be written as: 

(a/b) + [(c/d) + (e/f)] = [(a/b) + (c/d)] + (e/f)

Similarly, the associativity of multiplication can be written as:

(a/b) × [(c/d) × (e/f)] = [(a/b) × (c/d)] × (e/f)

Example: Show that (½) + [(¾) + (⅚)] = [(½) + (¾)] + (⅚) and (½) × [(¾) × (⅚)] = [(½) × (¾)] × (⅚).

Solution: (1/2) + [(3/4) + (5/6)] = (1/2) + [(9 + 10)/12]

= (1/2) + (19/12)

= (6 + 19)/12

= 25/12

[(1/2) + (3/4)] + (5/6) = [(2 + 3)/4] + (5/6)

= (5/4) + (5/6)

= (15 + 10)/12

= 25/12

Therefore, (½) + [(¾) + (⅚)] = [(½) + (¾)] + (⅚)

Now, (1/2) × [(3/4) × (5/6)] = (1/2) × (15/24) = 15/48 = 5/16

[(1/2) × (3/4)] × (5/6) = (3/8) × (5/6) = 15/48 = 5/16

Therefore, (½) × [(¾) × (⅚)] = [(½) × (¾)] × (⅚)

Click here to learn more about the various properties of rational numbers.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

Q1

To which operations Associative property is applicable?

The associative property is applicable to addition and multiplication.
Q2

What is the associative property?

Associative property states that when three or more numbers are added (or multiplied), the sum (or the product) is the same regardless of the grouping of the addends (or the multiplicands).
Q3

Is the associative property applicable to division and subtraction?

The associative property does not apply to subtraction and division.
Q4

Is multiplication always associative?

In mathematics, the addition and multiplication of real numbers are associative.
Q5

What is the general formula for an associative property?

Associative Property for Addition
The rule for the associative property of addition: (x+y)+z = x+(y+z)
Associative Property for Multiplication

The rule for the associative property of multiplication is: (xy) z = x (yz)

To solve more problems on the topic, download BYJU’S – The Learning App from Google Play Store and watch interactive videos. Also, take free tests to practice for exams.

Quiz on Associative Property

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