In the problem 2 + 3 = 5, the numbers 2 and 3 are addends.

]]> The associative law for addition states that addends may be associated or combined in any order and will result in the same sum. In equation form we have:

(a + b) + c = a + (b + c)

]]> The Associative Law for Multiplication states that factors can be associated in any order, and the result is the same product.

In equation form: a x (b x c) = (a x b) x c

]]> The commutative law for addition states that two numbers may be added in either order and the result is the same sum. In equation form we have:

a + b = b + a

]]> Numbers can be multiplied in any order, and the result is the same product.

In equation form: a x b = b x a

]]> In a fraction, the lowest term represents the equivalent fraction with the smallest possible denominator. Lowest terms can be calculated by factoring the numerator and denominator and dividing each by the common factor.

For example: 9/15 can be factored as 3 x 3/ 3 x 5. Since both numerator and denominator have a common 3, they can be divided by this number to get a reduced fraction. When no more reductions are possible, the lowest term has been achieved.

Practice working with lowest terms and equivalent fractions: http://www.visualfractions.com/RenameLowest.html

]]> To place topic tags within topic tags Acronym representing the correct order to carry out operations in solving a mathematic equation.

P -- Parentheses
E -- Exponents
M/D -- Multiplication or Division
A/S -- Addition or Subtraction

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