Final answer:
To verify the associative property, we need to check if (a + b) + c equals a + (b + c) for the given rational numbers. By performing the calculations, we can see that they are equal, indicating that the associative property holds true.
Step-by-step explanation:
The associative property states that when adding or multiplying three or more numbers, the grouping of the numbers does not affect the sum or product. To verify the associative property for the given rational numbers -3/5, 4/7, and 5/10, we need to check if (a + b) + c is equal to a + (b + c). Let's perform the calculations:
(-3/5 + 4/7) + 5/10 = (-21/35 + 20/35) + 5/10 = -1/35 + 5/10 = -2/70 + 35/70 = 33/70
-3/5 + (4/7 + 5/10) = -3/5 + (40/70 + 35/70) = -3/5 + 75/70 = -42/70 + 75/70 = 33/70
Since (a + b) + c is equal to a + (b + c) for the given rational numbers, we have verified the associative property.