The commutative property of addition is a fundamental mathematical concept that states the order of addends does not affect the sum. When we add numbers, we can rearrange them in any order without changing the final result. Mathematically, this property is represented as a+b=b+aa + b = b + aa+b=b+a, where aaa and bbb can be whole numbers, integers, decimals, or fractions. This property makes addition more flexible and often simplifies calculations in arithmetic problems.
Not all mathematical operations follow the commutative property. While addition and multiplication both follow this property (a×b=b×aa \times b = b \times aa×b=b×a), subtraction and division do not. For subtraction, changing the order of numbers completely changes the result. For example, 4−3=14 - 3 = 14−3=1 but 3−4=−13 - 4 = -13−4=−1. Similarly, division also does not follow the commutative property. This distinction is important to understand when working with different arithmetic operations.
Examples of Commutative Property of Addition Example 1: Verifying the Commutative Property Problem:Verify that "a+b=b+aa + b = b + aa+b=b+a", if a=33a = 33a=33 and b=30b = 30b=30.
Step-by-step solution:Step 1, Let's examine the left side of the equation by substituting the given values:
a+b=33+30=63a + b = 33 + 30 = 63a+b=33+30=63Step 2, Let's examine the right side of the equation:
b+a=30+33=63b + a = 30 + 33 = 63b+a=30+33=63Step 3, Since both sides equal 63, we have verified that a+b=b+aa + b = b + aa+b=b+a when a=33a = 33a=33 and b=30b = 30b=30.
This confirms the commutative property of addition. Example 2: Using the Commutative Property to Fill in Blanks Problem:Fill in the blanks: 20+_=_+20=5520 + \_ = \_ + 20 = 5520+_=_+20=55
Step-by-step solution:Step 1, Recognize that this equation relies on the commutative property of addition, which means the missing number must be the same in both blanks.
Step 2, Let's call this missing number bbb and set up the equation:
20+b=5520 + b = 5520+b=55Step 3, Solve for the unknown value:
b=55−20=35b = 55 - 20 = 35b=55−20=35Step 4, We can fill in the blanks with our solution:
20+35=35+20=5520 + 35 = 35 + 20 = 5520+35=35+20=55 Example 3: Solving a Word Problem Using the Commutative Property Problem:At the school fair, Maya collected 353535 tickets from the ring toss game and 181818 tickets from the basketball shoot game. How many tickets did Maya collect in total? Use the commutative property of addition to solve this problem in two different ways.
Step-by-step solution:Step 1, Let's add the tickets in the order they were mentioned in the problem:
Maya has 353535 tickets from the ring toss game.
Maya has 181818 tickets from the basketball shoot game.
Adding these numbers: 35+18=5335 + 18 = 5335+18=53 tickets.
Step 2, Let's use the commutative property of addition. This property tells us that we can change the order of the numbers when adding, and we'll still get the same result.
So instead, we can add: 18+35=5318 + 35 = 5318+35=53 tickets.Step 3, We can compare our two calculations:
35+18=5335 + 18 = 5335+18=53 tickets
18+35=5318 + 35 = 5318+35=53 tickets
Both ways give us the same answer!
Step 4, Maya collected 535353 tickets in total from both games.
Comments(7)AArtistDianaNovember 6, 2025This glossary page on the commutative property of addition is great! It helped my student grasp the concept easily. Thanks for the clear examples!MMusicTutorIanNovember 5, 2025I've used this def to teach my students. It's super clear! The examples really helped them grasp the commutative property of addition.NNatureLover85September 10, 2025I used the commutative property of addition examples from this page to help my kids with their homework—it made the concept so much easier for them to grasp. Great resource for parents and teachers!NNatureLover25August 27, 2025I’ve used the commutative property of addition examples from this page to help my kids with homework. It’s such a simple concept, but the way it’s explained here really clicked for them!MMomOf3AdventurersAugust 20, 2025I’ve used this page to explain the commutative property of addition to my students, and they loved the clear examples! It made the concept click for them. Great resource for parents and teachers!svg]:px-3 dk:w-auto h-10 dk:h-14 rounded-lg dk:rounded-[15px] px-5 dk:px-7.5 text-sm dk:text-xl text-[#3467FF] bg-white hover:bg-white">Load MoreExplore More TermsBehindConstantSurface Area of SphereAdditive ComparisonCompensationProperties of MultiplicationView All Math TermsRecommended Interactive LessonsConvert four-digit numbers between different forms3Math3.NBT.AIdentify Patterns in the Multiplication Table3Math3.OA.D.9Find Equivalent Fractions with the Number Line3Math3.NF.A.3.a, 3.NF.A.3.bMultiply by 43Math3.OA.C.7Divide by 43Math3.OA.C.7Identify and Describe Mulitplication Patterns3Math3.OA.D.9View All Interactive LessonsRecommended VideosAdd within 10 Fluently1Math1.OA.C.6Understand and Identify Angles2Math2.G.A.1Use The Standard Algorithm To Subtract Within 1002Math2.NBT.B.5Add Fractions With Like Denominators4Math4.NF.B.3aSubtract Mixed Number With Unlike Denominators5Math5.NF.A.1Use Mental Math to Add and Subtract Decimals Smartly5Math5.NBT.B.7View All VideosRecommended WorksheetsUse Doubles to Add Within 201Math1.OA.C.6Subtract Tens1Math1.NBT.C.6Perimeter of Rectangles4Math4.MD.A.3Use The Standard Algorithm To Multiply Multi-Digit Numbers By One-Digit Numbers4Math4.NBT.B.5Word problems: four operations of multi-digit numbers4Math4.OA.A.2, 4.OA.A.3Add Zeros to Divide5Math5.NBT.B.7View All WorksheetsRecommended Coloring PagesSmiling star polygon with simple eyes and mouthPre-K – KAll SubjectsConstruction worker with tool belt holding a hammerPre-K – KAll SubjectsGelato cup with two scoops on a picnic blanket1 – 2All SubjectsCity hospital with a helicopter landing on the helipad3 – 4All SubjectsUppercase G and lowercase g with a giraffe playing with a butterfly in a grassy field3 – 4All SubjectsNumber 13 with wands where the wands are held by cartoon characters casting a spell.3 – 4All SubjectsView All Coloring PagesRecommended BlogsWhat's a Perfect SAT Score? A Guide for K-6 FamiliesNovember 4, 2025Understanding All Five ACT Sections for K-12 Success: A Guide for Parents, Teachers, and KidsOctober 17, 2025ACT Prep Plan: Creating a Personalized Strategy for High School SuccessOctober 10, 2025ACT vs SAT: Key Differences Parents and Students Should KnowOctober 9, 2025Mastering the ACT: Smart Time Management Tips for Test SuccessOctober 9, 2025Army ASVAB Composite Scores: A Parent's Guide to Military Career PathsOctober 7, 2025View All Blog PostsQUICK LINKSAbout UsPrivacy PolicyTerms of ServiceTOOLSHomework HelperGuide DesignerPodcast MakerPlan BuilderRESOURCESMath GlossaryEnglish GlossaryEnglish Language ArtsMathematicsScienceBook InsightsFun with WordsBlog© 2025 EDU.COM. All rights reserved.智能索引记录
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