Question

Perform the indicated operation.

17 + (-5)

Answer 1

Take the difference of the numbers, then take the higher number as your positive or negative
In this case the answer is 12
Difference of 17 and 5 is 12 and positive 17 is the higher number, so take that sign

Answer 2

12

You cancel out the + in problems like this, so it turns into 17 - 5 = 12 ☺️