When Properties Don't Work
 Lesson
 Topic Index | Grade 6 Math | Intermediate Test Prep | StudyZone

  

NOTE:  To remind yourself what the properties mean, click on the property and a new window will open with an explanation. You will need  to close the window when you are done reading it.

 

What Properties are true for Subtraction?

Associative Property

Commutative Property

The Associative Property DOES NOT work with subtraction.

The Commutative Property DOES NOT work with subtraction
Example:

Example:

1 - ( 8 - 9) ≠ (1 - 8) - 9

16 -  4 - 32 ≠ 32 - 4 - 16

  1 - 1 ≠ -7 - 9

  12 - 32 ≠  28 - 16

    0  ≠  -16

    -20 ≠   12





What Properties are true for Division?

Associative Property

Commutative Property

 Distributive Property

The Associative Property DOES NOT work with division.

The Commutative Property DOES NOT work with division

The Distributive Property DOES NOT work with division

Example:

 Example: Example:

1 ÷ (4 ÷ 2) ≠ (1 ÷ 4) ÷ 2

16 ÷  4 ÷ 2 ≠ 2 ÷ 4 ÷ 16

9 ÷(2 + 1) ≠ (9 ÷ 3)+(9 ÷ 1)

  1 ÷ 2 ≠ 1/4 ÷ 2

  4 ÷ 2 ≠  1/2 ÷ 16

  9 ÷ 3 ≠  3 + 9

1/2  ≠  1/8

 2  ≠  1/32

 3  ≠   12

Summary :                                    

Neither subtraction nor division is Associative or Commutative.

Division is not Distributive.

  
Topic Index | Grade 6 Math | Intermediate Test Prep | StudyZone

Created by Patty Sawyer
Updated by Carol Carroll
Copyright © 2001-06 Oswego City School District