Construct two sums that would be easier to solve using either the commutative or associative properties. Reply to your classmates' problems using the appropriate property and create a positive discussion centered on using the given property to solve.
Let's take a look at Karen's post:
The two sums that I constructed are (–15 + 83) + 27 and –1.7 + 10 + –3.3. Which property, commutative or associative, would make each sum easier to find?
Here is Jeremy's response to Karen's post:
Karen, I solved your sum of (–15 + 83) + 27 with the associative property. I got the answer 95. I first rearranged the parenthesis to go around 83 and 27. This makes 110. Then I added it to –15 which is how I got my 95 for the answer. The other equation I solved using...
Construct two sums that would be easier to solve using either the commutative or associative properties of addition.
Respond to your classmate's post simplifying the expression, stating the property used and creating a positive discussion centered around the property.
One sum that could be easier to solve using the commutative property is 5 + 8. By rearranging the terms, we can change the order of addition to 8 + 5. This makes it easier to find the sum as it involves simple addition of 8 and 5, which equals 13.
Another sum that could be easier to solve using the associative property is (2 + 3) + 7. By rearranging the parentheses to go around 2 and 7, we get 2 + (3 + 7). This makes it easier to find the sum as we can first add 3 and 7, which equals 10, and then add the result to 2, giving us a final sum of 12.
Now, let's respond to Jeremy's post:
Jeremy, great job using the associative property to solve the sum (–15 + 83) + 27. By rearranging the parentheses to go around 83 and 27, you simplified the expression to 110. Then, adding –15 to it, you obtained the correct answer of 95. The associative property allows us to regroup the terms in a way that makes the calculation easier and more manageable. Keep up the good work!