b)

Let’s break this down! When you see an expression like , first, you want to handle the multiplication inside the parentheses. Here, equals (because a negative times a negative gives you a positive). Now, plug that back into the expression: .

Now, if you combine , that equals . Finally, adding gives you a grand total of . So, your answer is !

Want to see it in action? Next time you encounter negative numbers in your math journey, envision them as characters in a story, turning it around just as you flipped negative values into a shiny positive!