Which example represents the associative property correctly?

The correct answer illustrates the associative property, which states that the way in which numbers are grouped in an operation does not change the result, as long as the operation remains the same.

In the example given in the chosen option, the expression (7 + 4) + 8 is grouped one way, and 7 + (4 + 8) is grouped another way. According to the associative property of addition, these two groupings will yield the same result. Specifically, both expressions will simplify to 19, confirming that the order of operations does not affect the sum when addition is the focus.

When examining the other options, they do not correctly illustrate the associative property:

• The first option showcases a mixture of addition and incorrect grouping that does not demonstrate the property since it includes differing groupings of elements while also manipulating the second part of the equation.

• The second option presents a combination of multiplication and addition without maintaining the same operation throughout, making it irrelevant to the associative property.

• The last option mixes multiplication and addition incorrectly in terms of association, failing to provide a consistent operation throughout.

Thus, the choice provided effectively demonstrates the associative property by appropriately grouping terms and maintaining the same operation.