1 - (-8)
Note that:
two positive = positive
one positive & one negative = negative
two negatives = positive
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Using the rules above, look at the question:
1 - (-8)
There are two negatives, so they change into positive. Add
1 - (-8) = 1 + 8 = 9
9 is your answer.
9 is the amount of spaces between -8 and 1
hope this helps