The associative property is a fundamental principle in mathematics that applies to addition and multiplication. It states that when you add or multiply three or more numbers, the way in which the numbers are grouped does not change the result. For example, in addition, 2 + (3 + 4) is the same as (2 + 3) + 4, both equaling 9. This property is useful because it allows for flexibility in calculations. In multiplication, the associative property means that 2 × (3 × 4) is the same as (2 × 3) × 4, both resulting in 24. Understanding this property helps simplify complex mathematical expressions.