Commutative Properties

The Commutative Properties deal with adding and multiplying when there are two terms.

Commutative Property of Addition:

a + b = b + a

Commutative Property of Multiplication:

a x b = b x a

Just switch the order of the terms that you are adding or multiplying.

Example math problems related to commutative properties:

  1. 3 + 4 = 4 + 3
    • 7 = 7
  2. x + 10 = 10 + x
  3. 13 + y = y + 13
  4. 4(y) = (y)4
  5. 3(5) = (5)3
    • 15 = 15

Note: Parentheses ( ) means to multiply.

It’s important to recognize that the Commutative Property works for adding and multiplying, but not for dividing and subtracting.