Learn Before
Formula

Commutative Property of Addition

The commutative property of addition states that the order in which two numbers are added does not affect the sum. For any real numbers aa and bb:

a+b=b+aa + b = b + a

For example, 5+3=85 + 3 = 8 and 3+5=83 + 5 = 8, so 5+3=3+55 + 3 = 3 + 5. Regardless of which addend comes first, the total is always the same. The word "commutative" comes from "commute," meaning to move or swap — the addends can swap places without changing the result.

0

1

Updated 2026-05-02

Tags

OpenStax

Elementary Algebra @ OpenStax

Ch.2 Solving Linear Equations and Inequalities - Elementary Algebra @ OpenStax

Algebra

Math

Ch.6 Polynomials - Elementary Algebra @ OpenStax

Prealgebra

Intermediate Algebra @ OpenStax

Ch.1 Foundations - Intermediate Algebra @ OpenStax

Related
Learn After