1. Let’s make remembering these properties a little more memorable.
0f Real
Numbers
Let’s make remembering these properties a little more memorable.
Created by: Mike Walker

2. Properties of Real Numbers
The properties of real numbers help us simplify math expressions and help us better understand the concepts of algebra.
Some of these properties are as ancient as your teacher.

3. Commutative Property of Addition
a + b = b + a
Example: = 3 + 7
Two real numbers can be added in either order to achieve the same sum.
Does this work with subtraction? Why or why not?

4. Commutative Property of Multiplication
a x b = b x a
Example: 3 x 7 = 7 x 3
Two real numbers can be multiplied in either order to achieve the same product.
Does this work with division? Why or why not?

5. Associative Property of Addition
(a + b) + c = a + (b + c)
Example: ( ) + 7 = 29 + (13 + 7)
When three real numbers are added, it makes no difference which are added first.
Notice how adding the first makes completing the problem easier mentally.

6. Associative Property of Multiplication
(a x b) x c = a x (b x c)
Example: (6 x 4) x 5 = 6 x (4 x 5)
When three real numbers are multiplied, it makes no difference which are multiplied first.
Notice how multiplying the 4 and 5 first makes completing the problem easier.

7. Additive Identity Property
a + 0 = a
Example: = 9
The sum of zero and a real number equals the number itself.
Memory note: When you add zero to a number, that number will always keep its identity.

8. Multiplicative Identity Property
a x 1 = a
Example: x 1 = 8
The product of one and a number equals the number itself.
Memory note: When you multiply any number by one, that number will keep its identity.

9. Distributive Property
a(b + c) = ab + ac or a(b – c) = ab – ac
Example: 2(3 + 4) = (2 x 3) + (2 x 4)
Distributive Property is the sum or difference of two expanded products.

10. Additive Inverse Property
a + (-a) = 0
Example: 3 + (-3) = 0
The sum of a real number and its opposite is zero.

11. Multiplicative Inverse
𝑎 · 1 𝑎 = 𝟏 however, a ≠ 0
Example: 𝟒 𝟏 · 𝟏 𝟒 = 𝟏
The product of a nonzero real number and its reciprocal is one.

12. You are now ONE with the properties of real numbers.
Go forth and use them wisely.
Use them confidently.
And use them well, my friends!
Created by: Mike Walker