what is commutative property

A set of numbers is said to be commutative for a specific mathematical operation if the result obtained when changing order of the operands does not change the result.

1. Whole Numbers

• Addition–Changing the order of operands in additionof whole numbers does not change the result. Hence, whole numbers under addition are commutative.
  • 2+3 = 3 + 2
  • 0 + 6 = 6 + 0
• Subtraction - Changing the order of operands in subtractionof whole numbers changes the result. Hence, whole numbers under subtraction are not commutative.
  • 5-3 ≠3 - 5
  • 0 - 6 ≠ 6 - 0
• Multiplication - Changing the order of operands in multiplication of whole numbers does not change the result. Hence, whole numbers under multiplication are commutative.
  • 5 x 3 = 3 x 5
  • 2 x 0 = 0 x 2
• Division - Changing the order of operands in divisionof whole numbers changes the result. Hence, whole numbers under division are not commutative.
  • 4 ÷ 2 ≠ 2÷ 4