Understand the operation: Understand the operation. We need to add −9 and −8 together. This is because subtracting a negative is the same as adding its positive counterpart.
Predict the sign: Predict the sign of the sum. Since both numbers are negative, the result will also be negative.
Perform the addition: Perform the addition. Add the absolute values of the numbers: 9+8=17.
Apply the predicted sign: Apply the predicted sign to the result. The sum of two negative numbers is negative, so the final answer is −17.