If a = b, then b = a is an example of which property?

If a = b, then b = a is an example of which property?

• A. Symmetric Property
• B. Transitive Property
• C. Reflexive Property
• D. Addition Property

Answer: (A)

This shows the symmetry of equality. If a equals b, then b equals a—that two sides of the equation can be swapped without changing the truth of the statement. Reflexive would be a = a, not swapping sides. Transitive needs a chain like a = b and b = c to conclude a = c. The addition property would involve adding the same value to both sides, so a = b implies a + c = b + c for some c. So the statement is a clean example of the symmetry property.

This shows the symmetry of equality. If a equals b, then b equals a—that two sides of the equation can be swapped without changing the truth of the statement. Reflexive would be a = a, not swapping sides. Transitive needs a chain like a = b and b = c to conclude a = c. The addition property would involve adding the same value to both sides, so a = b implies a + c = b + c for some c. So the statement is a clean example of the symmetry property.