Mathematical equations have their own manipulative principles.
These principles or properties help us to solve such equations.
Basically, there are three properties which outline the backbone
of mathematics and these properties are used to perform
different arithmetic operations. They are:
• Associative property
• Commutative property
• Distributive property
Associative Property
Associative property explains that the addition and multiplication
of numbers are possible regardless of how they are grouped. By
grouping we mean the numbers which are given inside the
parenthesis (). Suppose you are adding three numbers, say 2, 5,
6, altogether. Then even if we group the numbers in addition
procedures such as 2 + (5 + 6) or (2 + 5) + 6, in both ways the
result will be the same. The same rule applies to multiplication,
i.e., 2 x (5 x 6) = (2 x 5) x 6. This property is almost similar
to commutative property, where only two numbers are used.
As in the case of Commutative property, the order of grouping
does not matter in Associative property. It will not alter the result.
The grouping of numbers can be done in parenthesis irrespective
of the order of terms. Thus, the associative law expresses that it
doesn’t make a difference which part of the operation is carried
out first; the answer will be the same.
Note: Both associative and commutative property is applicable
for addition and multiplication only.
Associative Property for Addition
The addition follows associative property i.e. regardless of how
numbers are parenthesized the final sum of the numbers will be
the same. Associative property of addition states that:
(x+y)+z = x+(y+z)
Let us say, we want to add 5+10+4. It can be seen that the
answer is 19. Now, let us group the numbers; put 5 and 10 in the
⇒ (5+10)+4 = 15+4 = 19
bracket. We get,
(Remember BODMAS rule)
⇒ 5+(10+4) = 5 + 14 = 19
Now, let’s regroup the terms like 10 and 4 in brackets;
Yes, it can be seen that the sum in both cases are the same. This
is the associative property of addition.
Let us see some more examples.
(1) 3+(2+1) = (3+2)+1
3+3 = 5+1
6=6
L.H.S = R.H.S
(2) 4+(-6+2) = [4 + (-6)] + 2
4 + (-4) = [4-6] + 2
4-4 = -2+2
0=0
L.H.S = R.H.S
Associative Property for Multiplication
Rule for the associative property of multiplication is:
(xy) z = x (yz)
On solving 5×3×2, we get 30 as a product. Now as in addition,
⇒ (5 × 3) × 2 = 15 × 2 = 30
let’s group the terms:
(BODMAS rule)
⇒ 5 × (3 × 2) = 5 × 6 = 30
After regrouping,
Products will be the same.
Thus, addition and multiplication are associative in nature but
subtraction and division are not associative.
⇒ (100 ÷ 10) ÷ 5 ≠ 100 ÷ (10 ÷ 5)
For example, divide 100 ÷ 10 ÷ 5
⇒ (10) ÷ 5 ≠ 100 ÷ (2)
⇒ 2 ≠ 50
⇒ (3 − 2) − 1 ≠ 3 − (2 − 1)
Subtract, 3 − 2 − 1
⇒ (1) – 1 ≠ 3 − (1)
⇒0≠2
Hence, proved the associative property is not applicable for
subtraction and division methods.
Associative property of Rational Numbers
Rational numbers follow the associative property for addition and
multiplication.
Suppose a/b, c/d and e/f are rational, then the associativity of
addition can be written as:
(a/b) + [(c/d) + (e/f)] = [(a/b) + (c/d)] + (e/f)
Similarly, the associativity of multiplication can be written as:
(a/b) × [(c/d) × (e/f)] = [(a/b) × (c/d)] × (e/f)
Example: Show that (½) + [(¾) + (⅚)] = [(½) + (¾)] + (⅚) and
(½) × [(¾) × (⅚)] = [(½) × (¾)] × (⅚).
Solution: (1/2) + [(3/4) + (5/6)] = (1/2) + [(9 + 10)/12]
= (1/2) + (19/12)
= (6 + 19)/12
= 25/12
[(1/2) + (3/4)] + (5/6) = [(2 + 3)/4] + (5/6)
= (5/4) + (5/6)
= (15 + 10)/12
= 25/12
Therefore, (½) + [(¾) + (⅚)] = [(½) + (¾)] + (⅚)
Now, (1/2) × [(3/4) × (5/6)] = (1/2) × (15/24) = 15/48 = 5/16
[(1/2) × (3/4)] × (5/6) = (3/8) × (5/6) = 15/48 = 5/16
Therefore, (½) × [(¾) × (⅚)] = [(½) × (¾)] × (⅚)
Distributive property explains that the operation performed on
numbers, available in brackets that can be distributed for each
number outside the bracket. It is one of the most frequently used
properties in Maths. The distributive property is easy to
remember. There are a number of properties in Maths which will
help us to simplify not only arithmetical calculations but also
the algebraic expressions.
Distributive Property Definition
The Distributive Property is an algebraic property that is used to
multiply a single value and two or more values within a set of
parenthesis. The distributive Property States that when a factor is
multiplied by the sum/addition of two terms, it is essential to
multiply each of the two numbers by the factor, and finally
perform the addition operation. This property can be stated
symbolically as:
A ( B+ C) = AB + AC
Where A, B and C are three different values.
Let’s consider a simple example: 2(4 + 3).
Since the binomial “4 + 3” is in the parenthesis, according to the
order of operations, you have to calculate the value of 4 + 3 and
then multiply it by 2, which gives the resultant value as 14.
Distributive Property with Variables
Consider an example here: 6(2+4x)
The two values inside the parenthesis cannot be added since they
are not like terms, therefore it cannot be simplified any further.
We need a different method and this is where Distributive
Property can be applied.
If you apply Distributive Property,
6× 2 + 6 × 4x
The parenthesis no longer exists and every term is multiplied by
6.
Now, you can simplify the multiplication for individual terms.
12 + 24x
The distributive property of multiplication lets you simplify
expressions wherein you multiply a number by a sum or
difference. According to this property, the product of a sum or
difference of a number is equal to the sum or difference of the
products. In algebra, we can have the distributive property for two
arithmetic operations such as:
Distributive Property of Multiplication
Distributive Property of Division
Here, we will discuss the most frequently used distributive
property of multiplication over addition in detail.
Distributive Property of Multiplication
The distributive property of multiplication can be expressed under
addition and subtraction. That means, the operation exists inside
the bracket, i.e. between the numbers inside the bracket will be
addition or subtraction. Let’s understand these properties with the
examples here.
Distributive Property of Multiplication Over Addition
The distributive property of multiplication over addition is applied
when you multiply a value by a sum. For example, you want to
multiply 5 by the sum of 10 + 3.
As we have like terms, we usually first add the numbers and then
multiply by 5.
5(10 + 3) = 5(13) = 65
But, according to the property, you can first multiply every
addend by 5. This is known as distributing the 5 and then you can
add the products.
The multiplication of 5(10) and 5(3) will be performed before you
add.
5(10) + 5(3) = 50 + 15 = 65
You can note that the result is the same as before.
You probably use this method without actually knowing that you
are using it.
The below equations describe both the methods. We have 10 and
3 on the left-hand side then multiplied by 5. This expansion is
rewritten by applying the distributive property on the right-hand
side where we distribute 5 then multiply by 5 and add the results.
You will see that the result is similar in each case.
5(10 + 3) = 5(10) + 5(3)
5(13) = 50 + 15
65 = 65
Distributive Property of Multiplication Over Subtraction
Now, let’s have a look at the example of a distributive property of
multiplication over subtraction.
Suppose we have to multiply 6 with subtraction of 13 and 5, i.e.
(13 – 5).
This can be performed in two ways.
Case 1: 6 × (13 – 5) = 6 × 8 = 48
Case 2: 6 × (13 – 5) = (6 × 13) – (6 × 5) = 78 – 30 = 48
Whichever is the procedure, the final result will be the same in
both cases.
The distributive properties of addition and subtraction can be
utilized to rewrite expressions for different purposes. When you
multiply a number by a sum, you may add and multiply. Also, you
can first multiply each addend and then add the products. This
applies to subtraction as well. In every case, you disturb the outer
multiplier to every value in the parenthesis, so that multiplication
occurs with every value before addition or subtraction.
Distributive Property of Division
We can divide larger numbers using the distributive property by
breaking those numbers into smaller factors.
Let us see an example here:
Q: Divide 84 ÷ 6.
We can write 84 as 60+24
Hence,
(60 + 24) ÷ 6
Now distributing division operation for each factor in the bracket
we get;
(60 ÷ 6) + (24 ÷ 6)
= 10 + 4
= 14
Example
Solve the given expression using the distributive property:
(i) 4(2x4+ 7x)
(ii) 2x(x2+ y)
(iii) 4(7xy+ 13yx)
Solution:
According to the distributive property,
A ( B + C) = AB + AC
(i) 4(2x4+ 7x)
Using distributive law we have,
= 4. 2x4+ 4. 7x
= 8x4+ 28x
(ii) 2x(x2+ y)
Using Distributive property,
= 2x . x2 + 2x. y
= 2x3+ 2xy
(iii) 4(7xy+ 13yx)
Using distributive property, we have
= 4. 7xy + 4. 13yx
= 28 xy + 52 xy
= 80 xy
