We must distribute the #-1#, which is in front of the parenthesis, to the #(-85)#. Remember, we always take care of parenthesis first according to PEMDAS (parenthesis, exponents, multiplication, division, addition and subtraction). Since this will make it positive the new equation is:
#-61+85=?#
Simply solve for the answer from here:
#-61+85=24#
Here's a tip that may help:
A negative #(-)# and a negative #(-)# equals #(=)# a positive #(+)#.
A positive #(+)# and a positive #(+)# equals #(=)# a positive #(+)#.
A negative #(-)# and positive #(+)# equals #(=)# a negative #(-)#.
A positive #(+)# and a negative #(-)# equals #(=)# a negative #(-)#.