what does associative mean in math
Definition: The associative property states that you can add or multiply regardless of how the numbers are grouped. By 'grouped' we mean 'how you use parenthesis'.In other words, if you are adding or multiplying it does not matter where you put the parenthesis. Add some parenthesis any where you like!.1  Properties.xamplesof the Associative Property for Addition. The picture below illustrates that it does not matter whether or not we add the 2 + 7 first (like the left side) or the 7 + 5 first, like the right side.