1. **State the problem:** Evaluate the expression $$(-9) - (-8) + 3 \times 4^2$$. 2. **Recall order of operations:** Use PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division from left to right, Addition and Subtraction from left to right). 3. **Calculate the exponent:** $$4^2 = 16$$. 4. **Rewrite the expression:** $$(-9) - (-8) + 3 \times 16$$. 5. **Simplify subtraction of a negative:** $$(-9) - (-8) = (-9) + 8$$. 6. **Calculate:** $$-9 + 8 = -1$$. 7. **Calculate multiplication:** $$3 \times 16 = 48$$. 8. **Rewrite the expression:** $$-1 + 48$$. 9. **Calculate final sum:** $$-1 + 48 = 47$$. **Final answer:** $$47$$.