1. The problem asks which expression correctly represents the sum of the polynomials $9 - 3x^2$ and $-8x^2 + 4x + 5$. 2. To add polynomials, combine like terms: terms with the same variable and exponent. 3. Write the sum as: $$ (9 - 3x^2) + (-8x^2 + 4x + 5) $$ 4. Group like terms: $$ (-3x^2) + (-8x^2) + 4x + (9 + 5) $$ 5. Simplify each group: $$ (-3x^2 - 8x^2) + 4x + 14 $$ $$ = -11x^2 + 4x + 14 $$ 6. The correct expression that matches this grouping is: $$ [(-3x^2) + (-8x^2)] + 4x + [9 + 5] $$ 7. Therefore, the correct choice is the last option.