Don't be fooled by this question.
I see we can FOIL this.
There are several different options, but only one works.
Let's first ignore negatives.
1+8 = 9
1 x 8 = 8
WRONG
2+7 = 9
2 x 7 = 14
RIGHT
3 + 6 = 9
3 x 6 = 18
WRONG
4 + 5 = 9
4 x 5 = 20
WRONG
Evidently only one case works.
But since this is negative, -2-7=9, and (-2) x (-7) = 14.

2 solutions: 2 and 7.