Associative means being grouped together or connected. In math, when we add a series of numbers it doesn’t matter in what order we do it. We’ll always get the same answer!

The associative property of addition allows us to select any two numbers in a line of addition and combine them first. Then we can add on the remaining number(s). This property makes adding a string of numbers together simple and easy.

For example: When adding 5 + 4 + 16 you can choose to add 4 + 16 first, which equals 20. Then, add on 5 to get 25. That is much easier than adding 5 + 4 to get 9 then trying to add on 16. The associative property of addition makes adding easier, which in turn makes math more fun!