Let's solve each of the expressions step by step.
(a)
Given expression: \[ -1 - 7 + -1 \]
Step 1: Simplify \[ -1 - 7 = -8 \]
Step 2: Now add -1 \[ -8 + -1 = -9 \]
So, \( (a) = -9 \).
(b)
Given expression: \[ -51 + -5 \]
Step 1: Simplify \[ -51 + -5 = -56 \]
So, \( (b) = -56 \).
Final answers:
(a) = -9
(b) = -56