1.5.5 Associativity for Multiplication Consider –3, –2 and 5. Look at [(–3) × (–2)] × 5 and (–3) × [(–2) × 5].

In the first case (–3) and (–2) are grouped together and in the second (–2) and 5 are grouped together.
We see that [(–3) × (–2)] × 5 = 6 × 5 = 30 and (–3) × [(–2) × 5] = (–3) × (–10) = 30 So, we get the same
answer in both the cases. Thus, [(–3) × (–2)] × 5 = (–3) × [(–2) × 5] Look at this and complete the
products: [(7) × (– 6)] × 4 = × 4 = 7 × [(– 6) × 4] = 7 × = Is [7 × (– 6)] × (– 4) = 7 × [(– 6) × (– 4)]? Does the
grouping of integers affect the product of integers? No. In general, for any three integers a, b and c (a ×
b) × c = a × (b × c) Take any five values for a, b and c each and verify this property. Thus, like whole
numbers, the product of three integers does not depend upon the grouping of integers and this is called
the associative property for multiplication of integers. 1.5.6 Distributive Property We know 16 × (10 + 2)
= (16 × 10) + (16 × 2) [Distributivity of multiplication over addition] Let us check if this is true for integers
also. Observe the following: (a) (–2) × (3 + 5) = –2 × 8 = –16 and [(–2) × 3] + [(–2) × 5] = (– 6) + (–10) = –16
So, (–2) × (3 + 5) = [(–2) × 3] + [(–2) × 8] (b) (– 4) × [(–2) + 7] = (– 4) × 5 = –20 and [(– 4) × (–2)] + [(– 4) × 7]
= 8 + (–28) = –20 So, (– 4) × [(