Question

Use the associative property of addition to write an equivalent expression for (x+17) + y

An equivalent expression is

Answer 1

x + (y + 17)

Explanation:

The associative property of addition is characterized by altering the order of operations by putting brackets in a different place. The answer will always be the same. Just the order is different.

So one possibility and the one you are likely expected to give is

x + (y + 17)

That means that if 17 and y can be added by giving y a value, then they will be done first.

Then you add z to the result if it has been given a value.

The answer you are expected to give is x + (y + 17)