From the sum of 17 and $-12$, subtract 48.

Concept & Logic The question tests basic arithmetic operations involving positive and negative integers. The keyword "sum" indicates addition, and "subtract" means to take away the specified value from that initial result. Step-by-Step Solution * Given: Sum of $17$ and $-12$. * Calculate the sum: $$17 + (-12) = 17 - 12 = 5$$ * Now, subtract $48$ from this sum. $$5 - 48 = -43$$ Exam Strategy & Shortcut Translate the English statement directly into a single algebraic equation: $(17 - 12) - 48$. Perform the operations left to right. Since you are subtracting a large positive number from a small positive number, the result must be negative. $48 - 5 = 43$, so the answer is $-43$. Common Pitfall A common mistake is subtracting the sum from $48$ instead of subtracting $48$ from the sum, leading to $48 - 5 = 43$, which isn't the requested operation. Final Answer **Therefore, the correct answer is -43.**