In mathematics, commutative describes an operation where changing the order of the numbers doesn't change the answer. Addition is commutative because 3 + 5 gives you the same result as 5 + 3 (they both equal 8). Multiplication is also commutative: 4 × 7 equals 7 × 4 (both equal 28).

Not all operations are commutative, though. Subtraction isn't commutative because 10 - 3 equals 7, but 3 - 10 equals negative 7. Those are different answers! Division isn't commutative either: 12 ÷ 4 equals 3, but 4 ÷ 12 equals one-third.

When you're solving math problems, knowing which operations are commutative can save you time and help you check your work. If you're adding a long column of numbers, you can add them in any order you want. That's the commutative property in action. Understanding this property helps mathematicians prove more complex ideas and makes certain calculations much easier to organize.