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Associative Property of Addition Worksheets

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!

Understanding Associative Property of Addition

Let’s work through a step-by-step examples to illustrate the Associative Property of Addition:

Example 1:

Original expression:

Applying the Associative Property:

Step 1: Add the numbers within the first set of parentheses.

Step 2: Add the resulting numbers.

Rearranged expression:

Applying the Associative Property:

Step 1: Add the numbers within the second set of parentheses.

Step 2: Add the resulting numbers.

Conclusion:

Both expressions, and , yield the same result: 12. This demonstrates the Associative Property of Addition, showing that how we group the numbers in an addition operation doesn’t change the sum.

Associative Property of Addition (Printable PDFs)

In these “Associative Property of Addition Worksheets,” students will use what they know about the associative property of addition to fill in the missing values of various addition number sentences. All worksheets include an answer key.