Skip to main content
K12 LibreTexts

1.6.1: Real Number Properties and Axioms

  1. Last updated
  2. Save as PDF
  • Page ID
    4265

    • \( \newcommand{\vecs}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}} } \) \( \newcommand{\vecd}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash {#1}}} \)\(\newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\) \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\) \( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\) \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\) \( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \(\newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\) \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\) \( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\) \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\) \( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)\(\newcommand{\AA}{\unicode[.8,0]{x212B}}\)

    Algebraic Properties

    2 shirts and a pair of jeans
    Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\)

    Abigail buys 2 shirts at $12 each. She also buys a pair of jeans that were originally $50 but are discounted by 15%. If her total purchase is over $60, she will get an additional $10 off. How much was her bill?

    Algebra Properties

    The properties of algebra enable us to solve mathematical equations. Notice that these properties hold for addition and multiplication.

    Property Example
    Commutative a+b=b+a,ab=ba
    Associative a+(b+c)=(a+b)+c,a(bc)=(ab)c
    Identity a+0=a,a⋅1=a
    Inverse a+(−a)=0,a⋅1a=1
    Distributive a(b+c)=ab+ac

    From the Identity Property, we can say that 0 is the additive identity and 1 is the multiplicative identity. Similarly, from the Inverse Property, −a is the additive inverse of a and 1/a is the multiplicative inverse of a because they each equal the associated identity.

    Let's identify the property used in the equations below.

    1. 2(4x−3)=8x−6

    This is an example of the Distributive Property.

    1. 5⋅(1/5)=1

    This is an example of the Inverse Property.

    1. 6⋅(7⋅8)=(6⋅7)⋅8

    This is an example of the Associative Property.

    Going along with the properties of algebra is the Order of Operations. The Order of Operations is a set of guidelines that allow mathematicians to perform problems in the exact same way. The order is as follows:

    Parenthesis: Do anything in parenthesis first.

    Exponents: Next, all powers (exponents) need to be evaluated.

    Multiplication/Division: Multiplication and division are done at the same time, from left to right.

    Addition/Subtraction: Addition and subtraction are also done together, from left to right.

    Next, let's solve the following problems using PEMDAS.

    1. Simplify 22+6⋅3−(5−1).

    First: Parenthesis →22+6⋅3−4

    Next: Exponents →4+6⋅3−4

    Then: Multiplication →4+18−4

    Finally: Add/Subtract →18

    1. Simplify (9−4÷2+13)/(22⋅3−7).

    Think of everything in the numerator as being in its own set of parenthesis, and everything in the denominator as being in another set. The problem can be rewritten as (9−4÷2+13)÷(22⋅3−7). When there are multiple operations in a set of parenthesis, use the Order of Operations within each set.

    (9−4÷2+13)÷(22⋅3−7)

    (9−2+13)÷(4⋅3−7)

    (7+13)÷(12−7)

    20÷5

    4

    Parenthesis can also be written within another set of parenthesis. This is called embedding parenthesis. When embedded parenthesis are in a problem, you may see brackets, [ ], in addition to parenthesis.

    Examples

    Example \(\PageIndex{1}\)

    Earlier, you were asked to find the total cost of Abigail's bill.

    Solution

    Without knowing the Order of Operations, Abigail could get very confused and not have the right amount of money to pay for her items. So, the two shirts are $24 (2⋅$12) and only the jeans are discounted. They are 50−0.15⋅50=42.50. Adding these two items together, we get that her total bill is $24 + $42.50 = $66.50. So, because her purchase is over $60, she gets an additional $10 off, making her final bill $56.50.

    Example \(\PageIndex{1}\)

    What property is being used?

    5(c−9)=5c−45

    Solution

    5 is being distributed to each term inside the parenthesis, therefore the Distributive Property is being used.

    Example \(\PageIndex{1}\)

    What property is being used?

    6⋅7=7⋅6

    Solution

    Here, order does not matter when multiplying 6 and 7. This is an example of the Commutative Property.

    Example \(\PageIndex{1}\)

    Use the Order of Operations to simplify 8+[42−6÷(5+1)].

    Solution

    This is an example of embedded parenthesis, as discussed above. Start by simplifying the parenthesis that are inside the brackets. Then, simplify what is inside the brackets according to the Order of Operations.

    8+[42−6÷(5+1)]

    8+[42−6÷6]

    8+[16−6÷6]

    8+[16−1]

    8+15

    23

    Review

    Determine which algebraic property is being used below.

    1. 8+5=5+8
    2. 7(x−2)=7x−14
    3. (2/3)⋅(3/2)=1
    4. 4⋅(5⋅2)=(4⋅5)⋅2
    5. (−1/4)+0=(−1/4)
    6. −6+6=0
    7. What is the additive inverse of 1?
    8. What is the multiplicative inverse of −1/5?
    9. Simplify 6(4−9+5)using:
      1. the Distributive Property
      2. the Order of Operations
      3. Do you get the same answer? Why do you think that is?

    Simplify the following expressions using the Order of Operations.

    1. 12÷4+33⋅2−10
    2. 8÷4+(15÷3−22)⋅6
    3. (10−4÷2)/(7⋅2+2)
    4. (1+20−16÷42)/((5−3)2+12÷2)
    5. [3+(4+7⋅3)÷5]2−47
    6. [(7⋅4−4)/((6/2)+5)]⋅42−18
    7. 62−[9+(7−5)3]+49÷7
    8. (27÷32+(6−22))/((32÷8+1)⋅3)
    9. 6+5⋅2−9÷3+4
    10. Using #18 above, insert parenthesis to make the expression equal 1. You may need to use more than one set of parenthesis.
    11. Using #18 above, insert parenthesis to make the expression equal 23. You may need to use more than one set of parenthesis.

    Answers for Review Problems

    To see the Review answers, open this PDF file and look for section 1.3.

    Vocabulary

    Term Definition
    Additive Identity The additive identity for addition of real numbers is zero.
    Additive inverse The additive inverse or opposite of a number x is -1(x). A number and its additive inverse always sum to zero.
    Brackets Brackets [ ], are symbols that are used to group numbers in mathematics. Brackets are the 'second level' of grouping symbols, used to enclose items already in parentheses.
    Grouping Symbols Grouping symbols are parentheses or brackets used to group numbers and operations.
    Multiplicative Identity The multiplicative identity for multiplication of real numbers is one.
    Multiplicative Inverse The multiplicative inverse of a number is the reciprocal of the number. The product of a real number and its multiplicative inverse will always be equal to 1 (which is the multiplicative identity for real numbers).
    nested parentheses Nested parentheses describe groups of terms inside of other groups. By convention, nested parentheses may be identified with other grouping symbols, such as the braces "{}" and brackets "[]" in the expression {3+[2−(5+4)]}. Always evaluate parentheses from the innermost set outward.
    Parentheses Parentheses "(" and ")" are used in algebraic expressions as grouping symbols.
    PEMDAS PEMDAS (Please Excuse My Daring Aunt Sally) is a mnemonic device used to help remember the order of operations: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division, Addition/Subtraction.
    Real Number A real number is a number that can be plotted on a number line. Real numbers include all rational and irrational numbers.
    Simplify To simplify means to rewrite an expression to make it as "simple" as possible. You can simplify by removing parentheses, combining like terms, or reducing fractions.

    Additional Resources

    PLIX: Play, Learn, Interact, eXplore: Tiling a Chessboard with Dominoes

    Video:

    Practice: Real Number Properties and Axioms

    This page titled 1.6.1: Real Number Properties and Axioms is shared under a CC BY-NC license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by CK-12 Foundation via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform; a detailed edit history is available upon request.