(4ab - 9a - 8) - (7ab - 1) distribute (multiply) the negative through the parenthesis <span>(4ab - 9a - 8) - 7ab + 1 No need for other parenthesis because nothing in front or to combine inside. </span> <span>4ab - 9a - 8 - 7ab + 1
</span> Combine like terms - 3ab - 9a - 7
