1. The problem is to simplify the algebraic expression $8ab + 5a$. 2. We look for common factors in each term. The terms are $8ab$ and $5a$. 3. Both terms have a common factor of $a$. 4. Factor out $a$ from the expression: $$8ab + 5a = a(8b + 5)$$ 5. The simplified expression is $a(8b + 5)$. This means the original expression can be written as the product of $a$ and the sum $8b + 5$.