1. Numbers and algebraic properties

Associative property

Level: fundamental

Formula

(a + b) + c = a + (b + c); (ab) c = a (b c)

Detail

Grouping does not change sums or products.

You'll see that grouping differently doesn't change the total: $(a + b) + c$ and $a + (b + c)$ give the same result.

Try it — Move $a$ , $b$ , and $c$ and compare both rows: the box groups differently, but the total matches.

1º a+b = 5 · 2º (a+b)+c = 6.5 · Same total