Algebra 2 Companion Book, Volume 1

1.1.2 Properties of Real Numbers (continued)

Example 2 Identifying Properties of Real Numbers

Properties of real numbers, such as the Associative Property and the Distributive Property, can be applied to numeric expressions without changing the value of the expression. By the Associative Property, the sum or product of three or more real numbers is the same regardless of the way the numbers are grouped. For example, (5 + 2) + 4 = 5 + (2 + 4) = 10. By the Distributive Property, the product of a sum and a number is the same whether the sum is found first or whether each term is multiplied by the number first. For example, 5(6 + 2) = 5(8) = 40 and 5(6 + 2) = 5(6) + 5(2) = 30 + 10 = 40. The Distributive Property can also be applied to the product of a difference and a number.

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