Visual explanation of the Associative Property of Addition, demonstrating that (2+3)+4 = 2+(3+4), both resulting in 9.

The image illustrates the Associative Property of Addition, which is a fundamental concept in mathematics. Let's break down the problem and explain the solution step by step.

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🔷 What is the Associative Property of Addition?

The associative property of addition states that when adding three or more numbers, the way the numbers are grouped (using parentheses) does not affect the sum.

In other words:
> $$
> (a + b) + c = a + (b + c)
> $$

No matter how you group the numbers, the result remains the same.

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🔷 Example from the Image:

We are given:
$$
(2 + 3) + 4 = 2 + (3 + 4)
$$

Let’s solve both sides:

#### ✔ Left Side: $ (2 + 3) + 4 $
1. First, do what's inside the parentheses:
$ 2 + 3 = 5 $
2. Then add 4:
$ 5 + 4 = 9 $

So, $ (2 + 3) + 4 = 9 $

#### ✔ Right Side: $ 2 + (3 + 4) $
1. First, do what's inside the parentheses:
$ 3 + 4 = 7 $
2. Then add 2:
$ 2 + 7 = 9 $

So, $ 2 + (3 + 4) = 9 $

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🔷 Conclusion:

Both sides equal 9, so:
$$
(2 + 3) + 4 = 2 + (3 + 4) = 9
$$

This demonstrates the associative property of addition: changing the grouping doesn’t change the sum.

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✔ Key Takeaway:

- The order of the numbers doesn't change (that's commutative).
- But the grouping (with parentheses) can be changed without affecting the result — that's the associative property.

This property is especially helpful when simplifying complex addition problems or mental math.

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🎯 Final Answer:
$$
\boxed{9}
$$
And the associative property shows that $ (2+3)+4 = 2+(3+4) $, both equal 9.