So, let's think about what it's asking
it next to the parentheses means to distribute, or multiply into.
Multiply 9 * -2
A negative times a positive is a negative.
9 * 2 = 9 + 9 = 18
Make the final answer negative because its a positive and a negative multiplied. A positive and a positive multiplied gives you a positive. A negative and a negative multiplied gives you a positive too.
-18