Use PEMDAS
Parenthesis
Exponents
Multiplication Division (Left to Right)
Addition Subtraction (Left to Right)
First evaluate the operations inside of the brackets
-8 + 2[5 + (-4 + 1)2] evaluate (-4 +1) because it is surrounded by parenthesis
-8 + 2[2 + (-3)2]) multiply (-3)2
-8 + 2[2 - 6] subtract 2 - 6 because it is surrounded by the brackets (parenthesis)
-8 + 2(-4) multiply 2(-4)
-8 - 8
-16