To rewrite the expression \(5 - (-7)\) as an addition, you can remember that subtracting a negative number is the same as adding its positive counterpart. Therefore:
\[ 5 - (-7) = 5 + 7 \]
So, in the context of your question:
\(5 - (-7) = 5 + ?\)
It follows that:
\(? = 7\)
Thus, \(5 - (-7) = 5 + 7\).