Question

need to change subtraction problems into addition problems, i.e., -2-3, 8-(-1)

Answer 1

recall that
minus times minus = plus
and
minus times plus = minus

so if the sign is the same when multiplying, the product is "plus"
if the signs are different, the product is "minus"

thus \(\large \begin{array}{ccllll}
-2-3&\qquad & 8-(-1)\\
-1(2+3)&&8-1(-1)\\
&&8+1
\end{array}\)

Answer 2

Thanx much Jdoe! I'm just getting back into algebra after being away for years.