SOLUTION: Why does the commutative property apply only to addition and multiplication, and not to subtraction and division? Explain and provide examples to show why the commutative property

Algebra ->  Distributive-associative-commutative-properties -> SOLUTION: Why does the commutative property apply only to addition and multiplication, and not to subtraction and division? Explain and provide examples to show why the commutative property       Log On


   

Question 787261: Why does the commutative property apply only to addition and multiplication, and not to subtraction and division? Explain and provide examples to show why the commutative property does not hold for subtraction or division.
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Example of why subtraction is NOT commutative

2 - 1 = 1 - 2

1 = -1

which is false, so that's one example why x-y=y-x isn't true in general.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Example of why division is NOT commutative

2/1 = 1/2

1 = 0.5

which is false, so that's one example why x%2Fy=y%2Fx isn't true in general.