Solve the math problem: 86 + (-18) = ?

Let's solve the problem step-by-step: 1. We have the expression: 86 + (-18) 2. Adding a negative number is the same as subtracting the positive version of that number. So, we can rewrite the expression as: 86 - 18 3. Now, subtract 18 from 86: 86 - 18 = 68 So, 86 + (-18) = 68 **Final Answer:** 68 **Explanation for Students:** Imagine you have 86 apples, but then you 'owe' 18 apples (represented by -18). To find out how many you have left, you take away the 18 you owe from the 86 you started with. This leaves you with 68 apples.