Evaluate: -80 - (-2 - 24)

Explanation

We will consider the subtraction within the parentheses first and rewrite it as addition of the opposite. By the order of operations rule, we must perform all calculations within parentheses first.

• Add the opposite of 24, which is -24.  Since -24 must be written within parentheses, we write -2 + (-24) within brackets.
  • -80 - (-2 - 24) = -80 - [-2 + (-24)]
• Within the brackets, add -2 and -24.  Since only one set of the grouping symbols is now needed, we can write the answer, -26, within parantheses.
  • = -80 - (-26)
• Add the opposite of -26, which is 26.
  • = -80 + 26
• Use the rule for adding integers that have different signs
  • = -54