Question

Calculate:
[(–2) + (–3)] + (-5) and –2 + [(–3) + (–5)]

Also, mention the property of integers that can be used to make relation between both expressions.

• A. -10 , Associative property
• B. 10, Commutative property
• C. -10, Closure property
• D. 10, Distributive property

Answer 1

The correct option is A -10 , Associative property

Here,
[(–2) + (–3)] + (-5)
= (-2 - 3) - 5
= -5 - 5
= -10
and
–2 + [(–3) + (–5)]
= -2 + (-3 - 5)
= -2 - 8
= -10

We can observe that both expressions has equal value.

The associative property states that
(a + b) + c = a + (b + c)

Here, a = -2, b = -3 and c = -5

$\therefore$ [(–2) + (–3)] + (-5) = –2 + [(–3) + (–5)]

$\therefore$ Hence, associative property of integers can be used.