When simplifying the expression \( 40 ÷ (5 + 3) \times 8 + 1 \), the correct operation to perform first is B: \( 5 + 3 \) because the operation in the parentheses should be performed first.
According to the order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS), parentheses take precedence over division and multiplication. After resolving the operation in parentheses, you would then continue with division and multiplication from left to right.