What does the commutative property indicate about the arrangement of numbers?

The commutative property indicates that the order of numbers can be rearranged without changing the result. This property applies to both addition and multiplication, meaning that if you have two numbers, their sum or product remains the same regardless of the order in which they are added or multiplied. For example, adding 2 + 3 yields the same result as 3 + 2, which is 5. Similarly, multiplying 4 × 5 results in the same product as 5 × 4, which is 20. This foundational concept enables flexibility in calculations and simplifies problem-solving in various mathematical contexts.

The other options suggest incorrect interpretations of the commutative property. One option implies that the sum changes with the order of numbers, which contradicts the principle. Another option limits the property to only addition, overlooking its applicability to multiplication. Lastly, stating that the property is only relevant to multiplication does not encompass the complete scope, as the commutative property applies to both addition and multiplication. Understanding the commutative property is essential for grasping basic mathematical operations and their relationships.