You can add numbers in any order or group — the total stays the same!
Addition has two important rules. The COMMUTATIVE property says you can flip the numbers and still get the same sum. The ASSOCIATIVE property says when adding three numbers, it doesn't matter which two you add first — the answer is always the same!
Commutative Property: 3 + 5 = 5 + 3. The order doesn't change the total!
Same total, different order:
3 + 5 = 8, and 5 + 3 = 8. Same answer either way!
Add 2 + 3 + 4. Which two do you add first? Way 1: (2 + 3) + 4 = 5 + 4 = 9 Way 2: 2 + (3 + 4) = 2 + 7 = 9 Both ways give 9! Group however you like.
Remember This!
Use the commutative property to make adding easier! 1 + 9 feels harder than 9 + 1. Always start with the bigger number and count up.
If 4 + 7 = 11, what does 7 + 4 equal?