What is the property/properties in the following equation? With details and reasoning please: (2x3)x6=3x(2x6)

Question

This question was in a test in the form of an MCQ and the possible answers were a) Associative or b) Commutative.

An argument has been brought up that this is a commutative question in which the 3 and 6 are switched so LHS= (2x3)x6=(2x6)x3 and then commutative again (2x6)x3=3x(2x6)=RHS.

The opposing argument was that it has both properties and hence its not a correct question. The reason for this opinion is that there is a priority for the brackets. Hence, we can’t neglect it and switch a factor inside with a factor outside. So we have to switch the 1st 2 factors using Commutative as follows LHS=(2x3)x6=(3x2)x6 and then associative (3x2)x6=3x(2x6)=RHS

 

Answer 1

(2 * 3)(6)

(3 * 2)(6)   commutative

(3)(2 * 6)   associative