Question

First, I really stink @ Algebra.
How do combination of signed numbers work? I keeping getting 6 but for some reason I don't think its right.
-1-(-6+-1)
-1-6+1
-5+1=6

Answer 1

Your notation is confusing; is the last 1 negative or positive?

-1 - (-6) + (-1) = -1 + 6 -1 = 4

-1 - (-6-1) = -1 - (-7) = -1 + 7 = 6

-1 - (-6+1) = -1 -(-5) = -1 + 5 = 4

Remember that a negative times a negative = a positive. Do operations within parentheses first.