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Commutative Property of Addition Worksheets

The “Commutative Property of Addition” tells us we can change the order in which we add numbers (addends) without affecting the answer (sum). For example, 2+3 gives the same answer as 3+2.

It may seem silly to give a simple concept such a complex name, but here’s how you can remember it. Do you see the word commute in commutative? Well, commute means to travel or move. So the commutative property of addition allows the numbers you’re adding together to move around, or commute!

Understanding this basic concept will help you get faster at addition, which makes math way more fun! Click the + below to see how this property is different from the associative property of addition!

Understanding Commutative Property of Addition

How does commutative property differ from associative property?

The Associative Property focuses on how we group the numbers in an addition or multiplication operation. It demonstrates that the way we group the numbers doesn’t change the final result. For instance, gives the same sum as . While the Commutative Property deals with the order of numbers being added, the Associative Property deals with the grouping of numbers, showcasing different aspects of how operations behave in mathematics.

Now, let’s work through an example to demonstrate the Commutative Property of Addition:

Original expression:

Applying the Commutative Property:

Step 1: Add the numbers in their original order.

Rearranged expression:

Applying the Commutative Property:

Step 2: Add the numbers after rearranging.

Conclusion:

In both expressions, and , the sum remains the same: 7. This illustrates the Commutative Property of Addition, showing that changing the order in which we add numbers doesn’t change the final sum. Regardless of the order, the total remains constant.

Commutative Property of Addition (Printable PDFs)

In these “Commutative Property of Addition Worksheets,” students will use what they know about the commutative property of addition to fill in the missing values of various number sentences. Some worksheets include a bank of solutions for students to choose from. All worksheets include an answer key.