Addition Associative law: (a+b) +c = a (b+c)

How they are Equivalent?

I apply this rule on this a=3, b=2, c=4

(3+2)+4=(5)+4 =20
3(2+4)=3(6)=18

Now, these two answers are not same. Help me please here.

Question

Addition Associative law: (a+b) +c = a (b+c)

How they are Equivalent?

I apply this rule on this a=3, b=2, c=4 

(3+2)+4=(5)+4 =20
3(2+4)=3(6)=18

Now, these two answers are not same. Help me please here.

jkristia · Answer

a+b+c is not equal ab + ac

anonymous · Answer

sorry, I didn't get it. Can you please explain it in detail.

jkristia · Answer

(a+b)+c = a+(b+c), that is the addition associative law - isnt it?

anonymous · Answer

yes so it means we don't have to multiply in this law? only do addition, right?

jkristia · Answer

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Associativity

anonymous · Answer

Thanks, I got it now.

jkristia · Answer

I always use Wkikpedia. I can't rememeber the names of all those different laws, and there Wiki is a great help

anonymous · Answer

actually I found those properties on wikibooks. I didn't search for it and asked here. btw, Thank you very much for your help and time.