Evaluate the expression 934 + 7217 - 9115 and find the resulting integer value.

Introduction / Context:
This question checks basic arithmetic skills involving addition and subtraction of integers. The expression 934 + 7217 - 9115 combines two additions and one subtraction, and you are required to compute the final integer value. Such problems appear frequently in aptitude exams to test accuracy, speed and comfort with simple calculations, especially when the result can be negative.

Given Data / Assumptions:

- The expression to be evaluated is 934 + 7217 - 9115. - All numbers are integers. - Standard rules of arithmetic for addition and subtraction apply. - The operations are performed from left to right.

Concept / Approach:
The key idea is to compute the expression step by step while keeping track of signs. First add the two positive numbers, then subtract the last term. Working in stages reduces errors and makes the calculation easier to handle mentally. It is also important to be comfortable with negative results when the number being subtracted is larger than the current total.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Start with the expression 934 + 7217 - 9115. Step 2: Add the first two numbers: 934 + 7217. Step 3: Compute 934 + 7000 = 7934, then 7934 + 217 = 8151. So 934 + 7217 = 8151. Step 4: Now subtract 9115 from this result: 8151 - 9115. Step 5: Since 9115 is larger than 8151, the result will be negative. Step 6: Find the difference between 9115 and 8151: 9115 - 8151 = 964. Step 7: Because we are doing 8151 - 9115, the answer is -964.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can check the result by rearranging the expression slightly. Write it as (934 - 9115) + 7217. First compute 934 - 9115 = -8181. Then add 7217: -8181 + 7217 = -(8181 - 7217) = -(964) = -964. This alternative path leads to the same answer, confirming the calculation.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
The values -974, -864 and -946 come from possible mistakes in subtraction, such as misaligning digits or miscomputing 9115 - 8151. None of these numbers equal the correct difference of 964 in magnitude, so they cannot be correct for the original expression.

Common Pitfalls:
Common errors include adding all three numbers instead of subtracting the last term, or forgetting that the final answer can be negative. Another frequent mistake is mishandling borrowing in multi digit subtraction, which leads to wrong differences like 954 or 974. Carefully performing the intermediate steps and double checking the difference between 9115 and 8151 helps avoid these mistakes.

Final Answer:
The value of the expression 934 + 7217 - 9115 is -964, which matches option B.