Question

Each of the following equations is an example of one of the properties of whole-number addition. Fill in the black to make a true statement, and identify the property.
a. 3+4=_ +3
b. 5+(4+3)=(4+3)+_
c. 8+_ =8
d. 3+(4+5)=(3+_)+5

Answer 1

a. 4 – commutative property

b. 5 – commutative property

c. 0 – identity property

d. 4 – associative property

_____

The commutative property lets you swap the order: (a) + (b) = (b) + (a).

The associative property lets you change the grouping: (a+b)+c = a+(b+c).

The identity property lets you add 0 without changing anything: (a) +0 = (a).