1. **Problem:** Use the associative property to show that the expressions are equal for (2 + 5) + 3. 2. **Formula:** The associative property of addition states that for any numbers $a$, $b$, and $c$, $$ (a + b) + c = a + (b + c) $$ This means the way numbers are grouped when adding does not change the sum. 3. **Step-by-step solution:** 1. Start with the left side: $(2 + 5) + 3$ 2. Calculate inside the parentheses first: $2 + 5 = 7$ 3. So, $(2 + 5) + 3 = 7 + 3$ 4. Calculate the sum: $7 + 3 = 10$ 5. Now, look at the right side: $2 + (5 + 3)$ 6. Calculate inside the parentheses: $5 + 3 = 8$ 7. So, $2 + (5 + 3) = 2 + 8$ 8. Calculate the sum: $2 + 8 = 10$ 9. Both sides equal 10, so $$ (2 + 5) + 3 = 2 + (5 + 3) = 10 $$ This confirms the associative property. **Final answer:** $10$