|
How about
trying the same thing with some other numbers:
Do we get
the same thing when we add them... even if we
switch the order?
Yep.
Sure looks like it!
I want
you to try it now... Go ahead... Pick any
two numbers you want... Add them together...
Then, switch the order and add them again! I'll
wait...
Did you
get the same thing? You always will. When
something happens like this in math, we make it a
special rule called a "property."
I'm going
to give you the property in all letters to get you ready
for Algebra!
|
The Commutative
Property of Addition:
Where
a
and
b
are any real numbers. |
This rule just says that, when you are doing
addition, it doesn't matter which order the numbers
are in. You can add
a
and b OR you can add
b and
a
... and you'll get the same answer.
NOTE: This does not work
with subtraction!
|
The printing
and distribution and/or downloading of these lessons is strictly
prohibited. |
|
