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In mathematics, the '''commutative property''' states that a [[binary operation]] <math>*</math> on a set '''A''' is said to be commutative if for all <math>x,y</math> in '''A'''  we have <math>x*y=y*x</math>. An Example of a commutative operation is [[addition]] in the [[real numbers]]. When a [[Group (mathematics)|group]]'s operation is commutative, it is said to be [[abelian]].

In mathematics, the '''commutative property''' states that a [[binary operation]] <math>*</math> on a set '''A''' is said to be commutative if for all <math>x,y</math> in '''A'''  we have <math>x*y=y*x</math>. An Example of a commutative operation is [[addition]] in the [[real numbers]]. When a [[Group (mathematics)|group]]'s operation is commutative, it is said to be [[abelian]].

In layman's terms, an equation demonstrates commutativity when the constants or variables can be moved around an operation without changing the answer (e.g. 1 + 2 = 2 + 1  or  2 * 3 = 3 * 2).  

In layman terms, an equation demonstrates commutativity when the constants or variables can be moved around an operation without changing the answer (e.g. 1 + 2 = 2 + 1  or  2 * 3 = 3 * 2).  

It is as if the numbers are "commuting" from one place to another.

It is as if the numbers are "commuting" from one place to another.