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How about
trying the same thing with another set of numbers:
Do we get
the same thing when we add them... even if we
group the numbers differently?
Yep.
Sure looks like it!
It's your
turn to try it now... Go ahead... Pick any
three numbers you want... Group them one way and
add them together... Then, change the parenthesis
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."
Here's
the property in all letters to get you ready for
Algebra!
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The Associative
Property of Addition:
Where
a,
b
and
c are any real
numbers. |
Remember that you always do what's in the parenthesis
first! This rule just says that, when you are doing
addition, it doesn't matter which numbers you add
first. You can add the
a
and b
first OR you can add the
b
and c
first and you'll get the same answer.
NOTE: This does not work
with subtraction!
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The printing
and distribution and/or downloading of these lessons is strictly
prohibited. |
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