noun
commutation
The ability to change the order of operations without changing the result.
Commutation lets us reverse two operations without changing the result.
Etymology
The Latin verb means to change or exchange. Mathematics applies that exchange to the order of operations, asking whether interchanging them preserves the result.
More examples
- Commutation means adding five before adding two gives the same total.
- Multiplying by two and adding three do not allow commutation.
- For rotations in three dimensions, commutation does not generally hold.
Forms
commutation
commute verb — To give identical results in either order.
commutative adjective — Allowing reordered operations without changing the result.
Similar words
- commutativity
- The more usual mathematical name for this same property.