Question

In the following exercises, translate to an algebraic expression and simplify if possible.

$\left(\text{a}\right)$The difference of $17$and$-8.$

$\left(\text{b}\right)$Subtract$17$from$-25.$

Short answer

$\left(\text{a}\right)$

The algebraic expression is$17-(-8).$

and the simplified value is$25.$

$\left(\text{b}\right)$

The algebraic expression is$\left(-25\right)-17.$

and the simplified value is$-42.$

Step-by-step solution

Step 1.Given information

$\left(\text{a}\right)$The difference of $17$and$-8$

$\left(\text{b}\right)$Subtract$17$from$-25.$

Part a.Step 1.Translate and simplify

$\left(\text{a}\right)$The algebraic expression is$17-(-8).$

$$\begin{gathered} 17-(-8)=17+8 \\ =25 \end{gathered}$$

Part b. Step 1.Translate and simplify

$\left(\text{b}\right)$The algebraic expression is$(-25)-17.$

$$\begin{gathered} (-25)-17=-25-17 \\ =-42 \end{gathered}$$