Identify like terms: We start by looking at the expression and identifying like terms. In this case, we have −9 and −13 which are both negative, and we have 2 and 13 which are both positive.
Combine negative and positive numbers: Now, let's combine the negative numbers together and the positive numbers together. We have −9 and −13, which add up to −22. We also have 2 and 13, which add up to 15.Calculation: −9+(−13)=−22 and 2+13=15
Add negative and positive sums: Next, we add the sum of the negative numbers to the sum of the positive numbers. We have −22 and 15. When we add a negative number to a positive number, we actually subtract the absolute value of the negative number from the positive number.Calculation: 15−22=−7
Check for errors: Finally, we check our work to ensure there are no math errors. We combined like terms correctly and performed the subtraction correctly.