Commutative Property Practice Problems and Exercises

Master the commutative, associative, and distributive properties with step-by-step practice problems. Build confidence in algebraic thinking and arithmetic rules.

📚Practice Mathematical Properties with Interactive Problems
  • Apply the commutative property of addition to rearrange addends without changing sums
  • Use the commutative property of multiplication to change factor order while maintaining products
  • Master the distributive property to multiply expressions like a(b+c) = ab+ac
  • Solve problems using subtraction of sums and differences with parentheses
  • Practice division by products and quotients using arithmetic rules
  • Build algebraic thinking skills through property-based problem solving

Understanding Commutative, Distributive and Associative Properties

Complete explanation with examples

The commutative properties of addition and multiplication, the distributive property, and many more!

In this article, we will summarize all the basic rules of mathematics that will accompany you in every exercise - the commutative property of addition, the commutative property of multiplication, the distributive property, and all the others!
Shall we begin?

Commutative property

The commutative property can be found in two cases, with addition and with multiplication.
You can read general features of the commutative property at this link.

Commutative property of addition

Thanks to it, we can change the place of the addends without altering the result.
The property is also valid in algebraic expressions.

Rule:
a+b=b+aa+b=b+a

x\cdotnumber~any=number~any\cdot x

Click here to see a more detailed explanation about the commutative property of addition.


Commutative property of multiplication

Thanks to it, we can change the place of the factors without altering the product.
The property is also valid in algebraic expressions.
Rule:
a×b=b×aa \times b=b \times a

x\cdotnumber~any=number~any\cdot x
Click here to see a more detailed explanation about the commutative property of multiplication.

Distributive Property

In the same way, the commutative property can also be found in two cases, with division and with multiplication.
You can read general features of the distributive property at this link.


Distributive property of multiplication

It allows us to distribute - it separates an exercise with several numbers and multiplication operations into another simpler one that has numbers and addition or subtraction operations without changing the result.
The property is also valid in algebraic expressions.

The basic rule:

a(b+c)=ab+aca(b+c)=ab+ac

Multiply the number outside the parentheses by the first number inside the parentheses and, to this product, add or subtract - according to the sign of the exercise - the product of the number outside the parentheses with the second number inside the parentheses.

Additionally
The distributive property allows us to make small changes to the numbers in the exercise to round them as much as possible, making the exercise easier.
For example:
In the exercise: 508×4=508 \times 4=
We can change the number 508508 to the expression (500+8)(500+8)
and rewrite the exercise:
(500+8)×4=(500+8) \times 4=
Then continue with the distributive property:
500×4+8×4=500 \times 4+8 \times 4=
2000+32=20322000+32=2032

You can read about the distributive property of multiplication at this link.


The extended rule

(a+b)(c+d)=ac+ad+bc+bd(a+b)(c+d)=ac+ad+bc+bd

We will choose the expression that is inside the parentheses - we will take one element at a time and multiply it in the given order by each of the elements in the second expression, keeping the subtraction and addition signs.
Then we will do the same with the second element of the chosen expression.

You can read about the extended distributive property right here.


Distributive property of division

Thanks to it, we can round the number we want to divide, always taking into account that the rounded number can actually be divided by the other.
This is done without affecting the original number to preserve its value.

For example:
76:4=76:4=
We will round up the number 7676 to 8080. To preserve the value of 7676 we will write 80480-4
We will get:
(804):4=(80-4):4=
We will divide 8080 by 44 and subtract the quotient of 44 divided by 44
We will get:
80:44:4=80:4-4:4=
201=1920-1=19

Click here to see a more detailed explanation of the commutative property of division.


Detailed explanation

Practice Commutative, Distributive and Associative Properties

Test your knowledge with 77 quizzes

\( 12\times5\times6= \)

Examples with solutions for Commutative, Distributive and Associative Properties

Step-by-step solutions included
Exercise #1

3+211= 3+2-11=

Step-by-Step Solution

According to the order of operations, we solve the exercise from left to right:

3+2=5 3+2=5

511=6 5-11=-6

Answer:

6 -6

Video Solution
Exercise #2

4+5+13= 4+5+1-3=

Step-by-Step Solution

According to the order of operations, we solve the exercise from left to right:

4+5=9 4+5=9

9+1=10 9+1=10

103=7 10-3=7

Answer:

7

Video Solution
Exercise #3

Solve:

23+1 2-3+1

Step-by-Step Solution

We use the substitution property and add parentheses for the addition operation:

(2+1)3= (2+1)-3=

Now, we solve the exercise according to the order of operations:

2+1=3 2+1=3

33=0 3-3=0

Answer:

0

Video Solution
Exercise #4

Solve:

34+2+1 3-4+2+1

Step-by-Step Solution

We will use the substitution property to arrange the exercise a bit more comfortably, we will add parentheses to the addition operation:
(3+2+1)4= (3+2+1)-4=
We first solve the addition, from left to right:
3+2=5 3+2=5

5+1=6 5+1=6
And finally, we subtract:

64=2 6-4=2

Answer:

2

Video Solution
Exercise #5

Solve:

5+4+13 -5+4+1-3

Step-by-Step Solution

According to the order of operations, addition and subtraction are on the same level and, therefore, must be resolved from left to right.

However, in the exercise we can use the substitution property to make solving simpler.

-5+4+1-3

4+1-5-3

5-5-3

0-3

-3

Answer:

3 -3

Video Solution

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the commutative property of addition with examples?

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The commutative property of addition states that a+b=b+a, meaning you can change the order of addends without changing the sum. For example, 3+5=5+3=8. This property works with any numbers, including algebraic expressions like x+7=7+x.

How do you use the distributive property to solve multiplication problems?

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The distributive property allows you to multiply a number by a sum: a(b+c)=ab+ac. For example, 508×4 can be solved as (500+8)×4 = 500×4 + 8×4 = 2000+32 = 2032. This makes calculations easier by breaking down complex numbers.

What's the difference between commutative and distributive properties?

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The commutative property lets you change the order of numbers (a+b=b+a or a×b=b×a), while the distributive property lets you multiply across addition or subtraction: a(b+c)=ab+ac. Commutative focuses on order, distributive focuses on distribution across operations.

How do you subtract a sum in parentheses step by step?

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To subtract a sum like a-(b+c), you have two options: 1) Calculate the sum first: 15-(4+3)=15-7=8, or 2) Distribute the subtraction: 15-(4+3)=15-4-3=8. Both methods give the same result using the rule a-(b+c)=a-b-c.

When do you use the associative vs commutative property?

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Use the commutative property when you want to change the order of numbers (3+5=5+3). Use the associative property when you want to change how numbers are grouped: (a+b)+c=a+(b+c). The associative property helps you group numbers for easier mental math calculations.

What are the main mathematical properties every student should know?

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The essential properties are: 1) Commutative (order doesn't matter), 2) Associative (grouping doesn't matter), 3) Distributive (multiply across addition/subtraction), 4) Identity (adding 0 or multiplying by 1), and 5) Inverse (operations that undo each other). These form the foundation of algebraic thinking.

How does the distributive property work with division problems?

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The distributive property of division lets you break down division problems: (a+b)÷c = a÷c + b÷c. For example, 76÷4 becomes (80-4)÷4 = 80÷4 - 4÷4 = 20-1 = 19. This technique helps make division easier by using friendlier numbers.

Why are mathematical properties important for algebra success?

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Mathematical properties are the building blocks of algebra because they explain why certain steps work. Understanding properties like commutative (a+b=b+a) and distributive (a(b+c)=ab+ac) helps students manipulate equations confidently, solve complex problems systematically, and develop logical mathematical reasoning skills essential for advanced math.

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