Let's begin by identifying key information given to us:
The associative property states that the sum of three numbers is the same irrespective of how the numbers are arranged
For example,
[tex](a+b)+c=a+(b+c)[/tex]Hence, the correct answer is (9 + 8) + 5 = 9 + (8 + 5)
[tex]\mleft(9+8\mright)+5=9+(8+5)[/tex]