Hey there!
“Are the expressions 12 + 9 + w and w + 12 + 9 equivalent”
Equation #1:
12 + 9 + w
COMBINE your LIKE TERMS
(12 + 9) + (w)
12 + 9 = 21
w = w
Answer for equation #1: 21 + w (or you could simply say “w + 21”)
Equation #2:
w + 12 + 9
COMBINE your LIKE TERMS
(w) + (12 + 9)
w = w
(12 + 9) = 21
Answer: w + 21 (or you could say “21 + w”
To ANSWER your OVERALL QUESTION, the ANSWER is: YES because they both give you the SAME result both ways!
Good luck on your assignment and enjoy your day!
~LoveYourselfFirst:)