How do you solve this problem? (-9 x 4) - (8

(-9*4)-(8- -3)*2

There are  two terms here. (-9*4) and (8- -3)*2. The second term is to be subtracted from the first.Each term is simplified by order priority rules: BODMAS Or BOMDAS.

In equal priority operations, go from left to right , 'the first- come- first- serve' way.

First term:

(-9*4)=-9*4= -36.

Second term:

(8- -3)*2= (8+3)*2, as 8--3=8+3, the - -3 equals +3

=11*2

=22.

Therefore, First term - second term = -36-22=-58. The sum of two terms of the same sign is equal to adding them by pure magnitudes and keeping the same sign.

Alternate way by opening the brackets:

Use this method if you are well versed with sign rules and group theory.

(-9*4)-(8--3)*2

-9*4-(8)*2-(--3)*2 , as mutiplication of (8--3) by 2 is ditributive.

=-36-16-(3)*2 as --3 =3 as  3-3 =0 therfore, +3 =--3, being the additive inverse of -3 and 0 being the additive identity.

=-36-16-6

= -58, as lke sign numbers could be added by their magnitudes and the same could be retained .