Which statement is true about the expression 12 minus 7 + 3?

a.) The expression is equivalent to 12 minus (7 + 3) because of the associative property.

b.) The expression is equivalent to 12 + 3 + (negative 7) because of the associative property.

c.)The expression is equivalent to 12 minus 3 + 7 because of the commutative property.

d.)The expression is equivalent to 12 + 3 + (negative 7) because of the commutative property.