Answer
Grouping the addition of numbers in any order does not change the sum. You can add numbers in any order.
For example, the sum of 3 + 5 + 6 may be found as follows.
(3 + 5) + 6 = 8 + 6 = 14 Parentheses tell us to add 3 + 5 first.
Another way to add the same numbers is 3 + (5 + 6) = 3 + 11 = 14. Parentheses tell us to add 5 + 6 first.
Either grouping gives a sum of 14 because of the associative property of addition.
Work Step by Step
Grouping the addition of numbers in any order does not change the sum. You can add numbers in any order.
For example, the sum of 3 + 5 + 6 may be found as follows.
(3 + 5) + 6 = 8 + 6 = 14 Parentheses tell us to add 3 + 5 first.
Another way to add the same numbers is 3 + (5 + 6) = 3 + 11 = 14. Parentheses tell us to add 5 + 6 first.
Either grouping gives a sum of 14 because of the associative property of addition.
