Evaluate the following expression

Explanation

Instead of working from left to right, we will use the commutative and associative properties of addition to add pairs of opposites.

Since the sum of an integer and its opposite is 0, it is helpful to identify such pairs in an addition.

Locate pairs of opposites and add them to get 0.

8 + (-1) + 6 + (-8) + 1 = 0 + 0 + 6 = 6