College Algebra (10th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321979478
ISBN 13: 978-0-32197-947-6

Chapter R - Section R.1 - Real Numbers - R.1 Assess Your Understanding - Page 17: 106

Answer

Subtraction is not associative. Refer to the step-by-step part below for the explanation.

Work Step by Step

Subtraction will be associaitive if for all real numbers $a, b, $ and $c$, $(a-b)-c = a-(b-c)$ However, note that: $(1-2)-3=-1-3=-4$ while $1-(2-3)=1-(-1) = 1+1=2$ Thus, $(a-b)-c \ne a-(b-c)$. Therefore, subtraction is NOT associative.
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