Is subtraction associative in rational numbers? Explain with an example.

Subtraction is not associative for rational numbers because when the numbers (say a,b,c) are subtracted by grouping any two at first and the other two at second [(a-b)-c and then a-(b-c)] the answer is not same. Thus subtraction is not associative in rational numbers.

Example:- let the 3 numbers be 5,8,9

Then, at first --(9-5)-8 = -4

And in second - 9-(5-8) = 9-(-3) = 12

Since, first case is not equal to second case’s answer