Commutative Law

When adding or multiplying numbers, the order of the numbers does not matter.

A + B = B + A
A x B = B x A

For example, 2 x 4 will give you the exact same result as 4 x 2.

Same with 6 + 3 will result in the same as 3 + 6.

Associative Law

When adding or multiplying numbers in brackets, the order of the numbers does not matter.

(A + B) + C = A + (B + C)
(A x B) x C = A x (B x C)

For example, (3 + 2) + 4 = 3 + (2 + 4)

Distributive Law

Is used for the expansion of brackets.

In this case on the left, you have 3 rows of 2 blues, you also have 3 rows of 4 yellows.

So if you add 3 x 2 and 3 x 4 = you would get 18 squares which is the same as 3 x 6.