Final answer:
The correct translation of the algebraic expression (3a - 5) is option b) 3a - 5, which correctly identifies the operation involving the variable 'a' and constants.
Step-by-step explanation:
When asked to translate the algebraic expression (3a - 5), it's important to correctly identify the components of the expression. In this case, the expression is composed of the variable 'a' being multiplied by 3, followed by the subtraction of 5. Therefore, the correct translation of the algebraic expression (3a - 5) is option b) 3a - 5.