Question

Which expression illustrates the associative property of addition?

Answer 1

Option C

(3 + 19) - 12 = 3 + (19 - 12) represent associative property of addition

Solution:

The associative property of addition of three numbers a, b and c is given as:

$a+(b+c)=(a+b)+c$

Option A

( 3 + 19 ) - 12 = (3 + 12) - 19

Here, +19 in left side of equation is written as -19 in right side of equation

Therefore, it does not represent associative property of addition

Option B

3 + (19 - 12) = 3 + (19 + 12)

Here, -12 in left side of equation is written as +12 in right side of equation

Therefore, it does not represent associative property of addition

Option C

(3 + 19) - 12 = 3 + (19 - 12)

22 - 12 = 3 + 7

10 = 10

This represents associative property of addition

Option D

3 + (19 - 12) = 3 - (19 + 12)

3 + 7 =  3 - 7

10 not equal to -4

Therefore, it does not represent associative property of addition