Question

Which shows associative property?
3(ab) = (3a)b
(3 + a) + b = 3 + (a + b)

Answer 1

Answer: the answer is the second one

Explanation:

Answer 2

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Answer:

• 3(ab) = (3a)b . . . associative property of multiplication
• (3 + a) + b = 3 + (a + b) . . . associative property of addition

Explanation:

The "associative property" can apply to any number of operations. The ones we're usually concerned with are multiplication and addition.

Basically, the associative property says you can regroup elements that have the same operation being performed on them. Effectively, that regrouping lets you perform the sequence of operations in whatever order you may choose.

For multiplication, the associative property can be written:

(ab)c = a(bc)

This form matches the first of the choices shown:

3(ab) = (3a)b

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For addition, the associative property can be written:

(a+b)+c = a+(b+c)

This form matches the second of the choices shown:

(3 + a) + b = 3 + (a + b)

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If you must select one answer, you need to know which associative property you're talking about.