Properties of the sum

The sum has mainly four properties: commutative property, associative property, neutral element Y distributive property. These properties are fulfilled whenever a sum is performed, except in very rare cases (limit of partial sums when they tend to infinity).

In this video I explain what each of these means properties. Then I summarize it:

• commutative property: when adding two numbers the result is the same even if we change the order of the addends. Example: 2 + 5 = 5 + 2
• associative property: When adding three or more numbers we can group them as we want to add them in any order since the result will always be the same. Example: 3 + (2 + 5) = (3 + 2) + 5
• neutral element: the sum of any number plus zero will give us the original number. Example: 6 + 0 = 6
• distributive property: the sum of two numbers multiplied by a third number will be equal to that third number multiplied by one of the addends plus the same number multiplied by the other adding. Example: 2. (3 + 4) = (2. 3) + (2. 4)

On this web page you will see some

printable exercises and solutions to be able to practice each of these properties of addition.

Adding is not easy but thanks to unprofesor.com it will be much more entertaining. Children can practice everything they learn at school through our website and if they have questions they can ask the teacher directly. They will also be able to search the web for what they have not understood in class to receive a different explanation which they will be able to see and hear as many times as they need. Remember that each child has a different rate of learning. Let them go up to speed and build their way!