Definitions:

For any real numbers a, b and c,
Addition: $$a + (b + c) = (a + b) + c$$ Multiplication: $$a(bc) = (ab)c$$ This law simply states that with addition and multiplication of numbers, you can change the grouping of the numbers in the problem and it will not affect the answer.

Subtraction and division are NOT associative.

A general example to help you recognize patterns and spot the information you're looking for

Addition: $$2 + ( 3 + 5 ) = 10$$ $$( 2 + 3 ) + 5 = 10$$ Multiplication: $$2 * ( 3 * 5 ) = 30$$ $$( 2 * 3 ) * 5 = 30$$

It’s used every day in banking and other business operations.