associative Definition
relating to or denoting a mathematical operation in which the order of the elements does not affect the result, e.g. multiplication and addition of numbers.
Using associative: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "associative" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The associative property of addition states that the sum of three or more numbers is always the same regardless of their grouping.
Example
The associative property of multiplication states that the product of three or more numbers is always the same regardless of their grouping.
Origins of associative
from Latin 'associat-' (combined with) + '-ive' (adjective-forming suffix)
Summary: associative in Brief
In mathematics, 'associative' [əˈsəʊsiətɪv] refers to a type of operation where the order of the elements does not affect the result. Examples of associative operations include multiplication and addition of numbers. The associative property of these operations states that the grouping of the elements does not affect the final result.
