how can addition properties help me add whole numbers?

They really can't. Common core really just teaches you dependence on Google, since it's really confusing.

Addition properties can help you add whole numbers by providing you with strategies and shortcuts to simplify the process. Here are three common addition properties and how they can assist you:

1. Commutative Property: According to the commutative property of addition, changing the order of the numbers being added does not affect the sum. In other words, you can add the numbers in any order. For example, when adding 2 + 3, you can swap their positions and get the same result: 3 + 2. This property allows you to rearrange the numbers in a way that makes the addition easier or more convenient for mental calculations.

2. Associative Property: The associative property of addition states that the grouping of numbers being added does not affect the final sum. This means that you can add multiple numbers in any order while maintaining the same result. For instance, when adding (2 + 3) + 4, you can rearrange it as 2 + (3 + 4) without changing the outcome. This property allows you to break down complicated addition problems into smaller, more manageable steps.

3. Identity Property: The identity property of addition involves the number zero (0). According to this property, when you add zero to any number, the sum remains the same. For example, 5 + 0 results in 5. This property can be useful when adding whole numbers that include zero or when you need to simplify calculations by adding zero to a number.

By understanding and applying these addition properties, you can manipulate the numbers, change the order, group them differently, or add zero strategically to make the addition process faster, easier, and more efficient.