If three numbers are to be added or multiplied, it does not matter which pair is selected first.
For example, 4+2+8 is the same is 8+4+2 or 8+2+8 etc.
and 3x2x6 is the same as 6x2x3 or 2x3x6.
This is called the Associative Law. Addition and multiplication works by the Associative Law, but division and subtraction do not work by the Associative Law.
Rewrite the following computations twice to show the Associate Law. The first one has been done for you.
- 3 + 9 + 12 = 24
a) 9 + 3 + 12 = 24
b) 12 + 3 + 9 = 24
2. 6 + 4 + 10 = 20
3. 10 + 20 + 40 = 70
4. 11 + 22 + 10 = 43
5. 7 + 8 + 10 = 25
6. 6 x 2 x 3 = 36
7. 8 x 4 x 2 = 64
8. 9 x 3 x 10 = 270
9. 7 x 1 x 12 = 84
10. 12 x 10 x 5 = 600