To simplify the expression (-2) + (-2) - (-5) - (-2) + 9, we first combine like terms:
(-2) + (-2) = -4
(-5) - (-2) = -5 + 2 = -3
So, the expression becomes: -4 - (-3) + 9
Now, subtracting a negative is the same as adding the positive, so:
-4 - (-3) = -4 + 3 = -1
Finally, adding -1 to 9:
-1 + 9 = 8
Therefore, the result is 8.
