Jakob is asked to simplify the expression –3a + 4b + 5a + (–7b). He writes: –3a + 4b + 5a + (–7b) = –3a + 5a + 4b + (–7b).Which property allows him to do this?

Jakob changed the order of the terms, moving 5a next to –3a and leaving the b-terms together. Changing the order of addends without changing their values uses the commutative property of addition.

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