associative
Denoting an operation in which the outcome is independent of the grouping of the symbols and numbers involved, that is, (a <o> b) <o> c = a <o> (b <o> c), in which <o> is the operation. Such examples include addition and multiplication.

symbol space(1 + 2) + 3 = 1 + (2 + 3)
symbol space(4 × 5) × 6 = 4 × (5 × 6)

The following examples demonstrate that subtraction and division are not associative:

symbol space(3 - 2) - 1 symbol not equal 3 - (2 - 1)
symbol space(12 / 4) / 3 symbol not equal 12 / (4 / 3)

Related Terms: commutative, distributive


 
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