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Because, unless the word "then" in the question is changed to "than", the phrase given means nothing at all. If the word "then" in the question is changed to "than", then the phrase is not ambiguous, even though it can mean, in mathematical terms, either [(-12 + 3) + 7] or [-12 + (3 + 7)], because both of these expressions have a value of -2, illustrating the commutative property of addition.
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Earn +20 ptsQ: Why is 12 less then 3 plus 7 ambiguous?
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Continue Learning about Math & Arithmetic
3 plus 3 plus 3 plus 3 equals?
12
What is 12 plus 14 plus 3?
12 + 14 + 3 = 29
What is the associative property of 12 plus 8 plus 3?
(12 + 8) + 3 = 12 + (8 + 3)20 + 3 = 12 + 1123 = 23 ■
What is 3 plus 6 plus 9 plus 12?
3 + 6 + 9 + 12 = 30
How do you evaluate 12 plus -1 plus -1 plus 3?
It evaluates to: 12+(-1)+(-1)+3 = 13
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