Using mathematical notation this would be written:
(1/2 + -3/4) x |-5/6 - 13/8|
= -1/4 x 59/24
= -59/96
“Difference” is defined as the positive distance between the values on a number line, hence the absolute value brackets.
Eg the difference between 2 and 9 is 7
The difference between -2 and -8 is 6
The difference between-5 and 4 is 9