In order to solve this, use PEMDAS (parentheses, exponents, multiplication, division, addition, subtraction). when solving PEMDAS, you go left to right through the equation for each letter. 5+3-(8-9)1 = 5 + 3 - (-1)1 = 5 + 3 - (-1) = 5 + 3 - -1 = 5 + 3 + 1 = 9