If an operation is represented by the symbol "", then the associative property is represented by: ( a b ) c = a ( b c ).

Addition and multiplication are both associative.

( a + b ) + c = a + ( b + c ), for all a, b, c R.

Example

( 4 + 2 ) + 1 = 4 + ( 2 + 1 )

6 + 1 = 4 + 3

7 = 7

Both sides have a sum of seven.

(ab)c = a(bc), for all a, b, c R.

Example

( 4 x 2 ) x 1 = 4 x ( 2 x 1 )

8 x 1 = 4 x 2

8 = 8

Both sides have a product of eight.

Subtraction and division are NOT associative.

( 4 - 2 ) - 1 ≠ 4 - ( 2 - 1 ).

2 - 1 ≠ 4 - 1

1 ≠ 3

( 4 ÷ 2 ) ÷ 2 ≠ 4 ÷ ( 2 ÷ 2 ).

2 ÷ 2 ≠ 4 ÷ 1

1 ≠ 4