Addition properties are special rules about numbers that are always true when we add. These rules help us understand how numbers work together and make solving problems easier.
Properties are like superpowers for numbers—they work every single time!
The Commutative Property means we can change the order of the numbers we are adding, and the sum will stay the same.
Think of "commutative" like a commute to school. You can take different roads, but you still get to the same place.
The Associative Property means when we are adding three or more numbers, we can group them in different ways, and the sum will stay the same.
The parentheses ( ) show which numbers to add first. "Associative" reminds us how we associate, or group, our friends together.
The Identity Property means if we add zero to any number, the number stays the same. Zero is called the "identity" because it doesn't change the number's identity.
Zero is like a mirror in addition—it shows you the number exactly as it is.
We can use our knowledge of addition properties to find missing numbers in equations. The property tells us what must be true.
Before you solve, ask yourself: "Which property is this equation showing?" This will help you find the pattern.